Musculoskeletal Therapy available at Paddington and Bulimba clinics as well as on the road with Music Festivals Australia Wide. Why is Musculoskelal Therapy a great choice?

More than half of all Australians are suffering from pain. Whether it is a sudden episode or chronic pain, recent study’s revealed that it is a serious work place problem. However, many people do not even know what a Musculoskeletal Therapists is, let alone that we are well equipped to not only treat pain but also find its source.

MST’s are experts at treating muscle and postural imbalances, which impair movement and function. This type of injury normally falls under the heading Musculoskeletal Disorders; therefore who best to treat this style of injury.

Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and MST’s can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain quickly and efficiently, which all in all makes them a good choice.

What is a Musculoskeletal Therapist (MST)?

You have probably not heard of the profession Musculoskeletal Therapy. Don’t worry you’re not alone! This is not an important factor. However what is important to know is that MST’s can help shape the manual therapy industry in Australia for a better future in injury management and care.

Musculoskeletal Therapists are not Physiotherapists- nor are they Massage Therapists. We are Bachelor Degree qualified professionals who help prevent injury and reduce pain.

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

Because Musculoskeletal Therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a MST’s program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Skeletal Harmonics’ MSTs work as consultants in the performing arts setting to improve the design and setup of performances to reduce the risk of performers overusing certain muscles or developing repetitive stress and causing pain.

In addition to “hands-on” care, Musculoskeletal Therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, msts may also “mobilize” a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as dry needling, cupping, hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments, it’s important for you to know that Musculoskeletal Therapy can only be provided by qualified Musculoskeletal Therapists, who must complete a 3-year Bachelor of Health Science practical Degree program only under the direction and supervision of qualified Lectures.

Why are people referred to Musculoskeletal Therapists?

People refer when they are happy and content with the standard of care they receive while not only being treated, but the follow up care that can occur from a clinic or practitioner. At skeletal Harmonics we are very proud to say 60% of our business comes from referrals. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how someone helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed treatment after an injury. You might even have been treated by a MST in the past yourself. Overall we love referrals- to us it’s the best “Thank-you” we could ever receive.

Who would you refer to see a Musculoskeletal Therapist?

Yourself or others may be referred to a MST because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play your instrument, or trouble with walking or performing, etc.). MST’s treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restores your body’s ability to move in a normal manner.

Who will see me?

You will be evaluated by one of our highly trained Musculoskeletal Therapist and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits.

Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one MST knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.

Is MST painful?

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques such as, massage, mobilization, cupping, dry needling and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your MST will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, Musculoskeletal Therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after surgery or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will use a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

What types of techniques do Musculoskeletal Therapists use?

There are dozens of different types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of treatment that may or may not be used on you during a treatment. Please remember not all techniques have to be used on you.

• Active Range of Motion (AROM) – the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM is usually one of the first modalities prescribed for arthritis.
• Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) – therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.
• Gait or Walking Training – the analysis of walking problems by visually examining the interaction of the low back and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or manifest themselves in subtle gait abnormalities.
• Isometrics – muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, or exercises to be performed in a cast, or right after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).
• Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.
• Soft Tissue Mobili zation – therapeutic massage of body tissue performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.
• Mobilization – hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, delaying progressive stiffness, and to relieve pain. (Remember this is not a manipulation)
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) – a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.
• Posture Training – instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body to reduce undue strain on muscles, joints, ligaments, discs, and other soft tissues. There is an ideal posture, but most people do not hav e ideal posture. Therapists educate patients about the importance of improving posture with daily activities. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed to facilitate postural improvement and to prevent further disability and future recurrences of problems.
• Passive Range of Motion (PROM) – the patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of the muscles that “actively” move the joint(s).
• Stret ching/Flexibility Exercise – exercise designed to lengthen muscle(s) or soft tissue. Stretching exercises are usually prescribed to improve the flexibility of muscles that have tightened due to disuse or in compensation to pain, spasm or immobilization.
• Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy – used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain
• Neck Traction/ occipital release – a gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, intermittent or continuous for re lief of neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm and facilitate unloading of the spine.
• Heat – heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and for pain relief.

Will I get a massage from a Musculoskeletal Therapist?

Massage may be part of your treatment. However, Musculoskeletal Therapists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically – to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. It is not a normal treatment to receive a full 60 minute massage from your MST.

Can I go to any Musculoskeletal Therapy Clinic?

Yes, it is your right to choose any MST clinic available to you. Our practice is a provider of performing arts medicine clients who have performance related injuries; however we do see people who have no association with the arts. The best thing to do is give us a call and we will attempt to answer all of your questions if you’re in doubt.

Can I go directly to a MST or do I need a referral?

To see a MST you do not require a referral from your doctor. All you need is to make a scheduled appointment with Sowelu Reception which can be done over the phone on (07) 33671950

Can my Musculoskeletal Therapist provide me with a diagnosis?

In all cases, MST’s cannot make a medical diagnosis. This is something that your medical doctor will provide for you. However MST’s are an important member of your medical team, therefore the information and knowledge they can share with you is invaluable.

What will I have to do after Musculoskeletal Therapy?

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their treatments and return to normal daily activities. It is very important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so they can develop a custom program for you.

Is my Musculoskeletal Therapist registered within Australia?

All staff at Skeletal Harmonics are registered through the Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA). There insurance is through OAPMS, Australia’s largest natural health care professional’s insurance company.

Skeletal Harmonics is registered with the world wide Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA) which makes them one of only 15 practitioners Australia Wide to have been accepted.
How do I choose a Musculoskeletal Therapy Clinic?

• The MST should be registered and be able to get health benefits for you
• The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment starts
• Your goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit
• Care should include a variety of techniques which may include hands-on techniques, soft tissue techniques, and therapeutic exercises and in some cases ancillary techniques such as cupping, dry needling, heat and cold application.
• They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravates orthopaedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation or treatment. However in our experience if you have been recommended to us through family, friends, performing arts association’s people usually find the drive is worth it!