Musculoskeletal Diseases and Treatments in London

6 MIN READ - July 8, 2024
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The general name given to all conditions affecting the health of the skeletal and muscular systems of the body is musculoskeletal disease. There are different musculoskeletal diseases and treatments in London.

Musculoskeletal diseases include different conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle injuries, and fractures. Disorders of the system negatively affect quality of life and mobility. 

Painkillers, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions are applied to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Physical therapy methods include ultrasound, electrostimulation, joint movements, and massage.

Surgical interventions are only preferred when other treatment options are inadequate and negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Various musculoskeletal conditions are treated with the latest treatment methods used by the specialised doctors at Medstar Physiotherapy Clinic

Medstar London Private Health Clinic evaluates the patient in treating musculoskeletal diseases and recommends the appropriate treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.

What is Musculoskeletal Trauma?

Musculoskeletal trauma is a physical problem that damages muscles, joints, tendons, bones, and other soft tissues. Muscle injuries, bone fractures, sprains, and dislocations can be seen in cases caused by accidents, falls, or sports activities. 

These types of traumas reduce the individual's quality of life and activity level by limiting the body's ability to move. Our doctors at Medstar Health Clinic respond quickly to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal traumas. 

After the necessary emergency interventions are made, more comprehensive diagnostic tests are applied, and an appropriate treatment plan is determined. In cases requiring surgical intervention, high-standard operations are performed with invasive methods. 

Postoperative physiotherapy and joint movements are started, and the healing process is supported quickly. Musculoskeletal traumas are the application area of rehabilitation, and Medstar Private Health Service Clinic provides services with a holistic approach to treatment.

What are Musculoskeletal Diseases?

Musculoskeletal diseases affect the human musculoskeletal system, including muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves. These diseases can cause pain and limit movement in the body's musculoskeletal structures. 

Some common musculoskeletal disorders include arthritis, osteoporosis, tendonitis, bursitis, fractures, sprains, and strains. Injuries and overuse of muscles and joints often cause musculoskeletal diseases. 

Other causes of musculoskeletal diseases can include ageing, excessive weight, and genetic factors. Musculoskeletal pain and disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. 

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging scans, and blood tests. Depending on the severity, treatment options range from rest and physical therapy to medication and surgery.

How to Avoid Musculoskeletal Disorders?

There are several things people can do to avoid musculoskeletal disorders and maintain the health of their muscles and bones. Here are some of them:

  • Regular exercise is one of the best ways to prevent power and joint issues. Both cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help keep muscles and bones strong while maintaining a healthy weight. 

  • It is also important to practice good posture, especially if sitting for long periods of time. Taking short walking breaks can help reduce stiffness.

  • Another key factor is proper form and safety precautions when engaging in physical tasks, exercise, or sports. This includes warming up, using appropriate equipment, and avoiding overexertion or repetitive motions. 

  • A balanced diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D also supports bone and muscle health

  • Managing other health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can help avoid musculoskeletal complications. 

  • Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, and limiting stress levels also lower the risk of pain and disorders of the muscles, joints, and bones.

With the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and safety practices, many musculoskeletal diseases and disorders can be prevented or managed successfully, allowing people to remain active and pain-free well into their older years. 

However, some conditions are unavoidable or hereditary, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are the best approaches to limiting disability and maintaining quality of life.

Causes of Musculoskeletal Pain 

There are many causes of musculoskeletal pain. Strain, injury or tearing of muscles and joint ligaments, fractures or dislocations, rheumatic diseases, infections, postural problems, and problems due to physical stress can be counted among the causes.

Musculoskeletal pain may also occur due to joint disorders such as calcification, osteoporosis, tumours, and psychological disorders. Musculoskeletal system pain negatively affects the individual's quality of life and daily activities. 

Long-term pain may cause joint movement limitations, muscle weakness, and disability. Individual treatment programmes are created by selecting treatment approaches for the cause of the pain.

In treating musculoskeletal pain, drug therapy, physiotherapy applications, range of motion and strengthening exercises, psychotherapy, postural correction, and surgical intervention options are applied. 

How is Musculoskeletal Pain Treated?

In treating musculoskeletal pain, protective and preventive measures are primarily taken. These include providing an ergonomic working environment, making arrangements for daily activities, posture correction exercises, and flexibility development exercises.

Muscle relaxants and rheumatic drugs are used in drug therapy as secondary treatments. Muscle strength and range of motion are increased with rehabilitation exercises. 

Additionally, muscle spasms are relaxed with manual therapy applications. Ultrasound and laser treatments are applied as physical therapies, hot packs, or ice pack applications. 

However, in some situations, surgery may be necessary. In such situations, stress and anxiety management is provided with psychosocial support, torn tissues are repaired, and joint stabilisation balance is established with surgical treatment. The primary disease is also treated.

How Long Can Musculoskeletal Pain Last?

The duration of pain due to musculoskeletal disorders may vary from person to person. Among the factors that cause discomfort, the severity of the disease and the type of factor causing the pain affect how long the pain lasts. 

For example, pain due to inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may be long-term, while pain due to fractures or sprains may be shorter. 

Musculoskeletal pain can generally last for weeks, months, or even years. Pain can be controlled with appropriate treatment and physiotherapy methods, and the quality of life can be improved.

How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries at Work? 

Some measures should be taken to prevent musculoskeletal injuries at work. Employers should provide their employees with a suitable and ergonomic environment, train them to avoid dangerous movements, and take the necessary precautions.

Employees should also be careful with their health and be alert to risk factors in the workplace. They should refrain from carrying heavy loads and repetitive movements, take rest breaks, and not work in positions unsuitable for the job. 

Working in the same position for a long time can also lead to musculoskeletal pain. While it is very important to move and change jobs, taking a 5–10 minute rest break every two hours and stretching exercises when necessary will also be useful. 

What Doctor Treats Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Doctors who treat musculoskeletal disorders are called rheumatologists. Rheumatologists offer treatments for diseases of the muscles, bones, and joints. Conditions include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. 

The disorders cannot usually be cured, but they can be controlled and their symptoms reduced. Treatment by a rheumatologist begins with a diagnosis and the prescribing of appropriate medication. Physiotherapy and exercise programmes are also important parts of the treatment.

Musculoskeletal Clinic in London

Medstar London Health Clinic is a healthcare organisation operating in London. Serving as a private hospital, Medstar has a wide range of departments and services. 

Accessing healthcare services in London is often challenging, and government organisations cannot meet the high demand. Medstar Private Health Clinic offers you fast and quality healthcare. 

You can make an appointment even on the same day via online or via the Medstar app, which is suitable for both Android and iOS users. You can download the Medstar app on the Google Play Store and the App Store. Medstar can meet all your needs under one roof. 

You can start your treatment immediately with our specialist rheumatologists and physiotherapists for your musculoskeletal system diseases. Choose Medstar and contact us today to take the right step for your health!

#therapeuticandrehabilitationservices

* Please note that the content of this blog has been reviewed by healthcare professionals, the views expressed herein are solely those of the author and should not be construed as expert advice. We value the input of our readers and encourage thoughtful engagement with the content provided. If you are willing to use this information stated here please advise with healthcare professionals.

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