The musculoskeletal system comprises the muscles, bones, joints, and other connective tissues in the body. Problems with this system can affect a person’s movement, mobility, speech, and how they interact with their environment. This can lead to ongoing health issues that require treatment in order to prevent further complications. Therefore, if you are concerned about your movement, flexibility, and body function, seeing a trained musculoskeletal health doctor will help improve and maintain your musculoskeletal health.
At Star Clinic, our excellent doctors are trained to help patients maintain their general musculoskeletal health, as well as treat serious chronic conditions. Book an appointment in Chatswood, Hornsby or Wentworth Point to find out how you can improve the function of your muscles and joints.
What is musculoskeletal health?
Your muscles, joints, and bones make up the framework of your body, both supporting your body’s weight and helping you to move. Taking good care of your body’s function is important in order to maintain your health over time. This means you should maintain a healthy exercise routine, diet, and lifestyle, as well as receive musculoskeletal healthcare services if you have movement issues or pain. Seeing a professional for musculoskeletal health can help treat a variety of problems such as flexibility, mobility, pain, poor posture, and restricted movement.
The musculoskeletal system includes many different parts of the body, including the:
- Joints
- Bones
- Muscles
- Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Tendons
There are a number of healthcare professions who deal with the musculoskeletal system, including chiropractors and physiotherapists. These doctors are trained to diagnose and treat bodily issues, providing services such as rehabilitation and management plans for chronic conditions.
Types of musculoskeletal conditions
The effects of ageing, stress, illnesses, and birth defects can take their toll on the body, limiting movement and impacting your overall health and wellness. Many factors can trigger problems in the musculoskeletal systems, such as:
- Ageing – People lose bone density with age, leading to issues like osteoporosis. The muscles and cartilage also begin to wear away, which can decrease a person’s range of movement.
- Poor posture – Posture issues are often a result of lifestyle factors such as prolonged or habitual slouching. This can cause back and neck pain over time.
- Cancer – Many different cancers can affect the joints, bones, and muscles, such as bone cancer.
- Sports and exercise – Injuries from sports can have lasting impacts. An injury may include broken bones, muscle tears, sprains, and other soft tissue trauma.
- Congenital abnormalities – Birth defects can also have an adverse effect on the body, causing stiffness and impaired function.
- Family history and genetics – Sometimes, serious conditions have a genetic component. If a certain illness or condition runs in your family, it could put you at a greater risk of developing the condition.
These factors can lead a person to develop an illness or injury, which may require certain types of muscular system treatment, including:
Osteoporosis treatment
Osteoporosis is a common musculoskeletal condition that weakens the bones. It makes the bones become more prone to breaking and can also lead to worsening posture, loss of height, and back pain. A doctor may treat this condition with medication, based on the severity of your bone density loss.
Sports medicine
Sports medicine focuses on physical fitness as well as the prevention and treatment of sports injuries. Doctors who specialise in sports medicine help people heal from sports injuries, whether relating to their bones, muscles, tendons, or joints. This includes phisiotherapists and dieticians. Therefore, if you need help preventing or treating a sports injury, it is worth seeing a professional who can guide you in the right direction.
Diagnosis and treatment plans
Problems with the musculoskeletal system can begin in childhood or develop in adulthood and old age. If you notice ongoing back pain, motion issues, swelling, or stiffness, you should seek a professional assessment at an MSK symptom care clinic. You should also see a doctor if these symptoms appear suddenly, as this could indicate a serious condition.
Musculoskeletal conditions often require ongoing management or rehabilitation. This means, if you think you may have issues with your bones, muscles, or joints, it is worth discussing your condition with a doctor. During an appointment, your doctor will be able to assess your range of motion and determine the severity of the issue. Your doctor may also ask for your medical history and information on any medications you are taking. This information will help us to create a plan of care that best serves your needs.
Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a medical practitioner who specialises in musculoskeletal health, such as a physiotherapist. Depending on your condition, skeletal muscle pain treatment approaches may include:
- Medication
- Exercise to improve muscle strength
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Thereaputic massage
- Rehabilitation
- Chiropractic care
- Ongoing management of a chronic condition
Additionally, we encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep their bones and muscles healthy. You should:
- Get enough sleep each night
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Have regular health check-ups
Book your appointment at Star Clinic
Being conscious of your musculoskeletal health is vital to your overall health and wellness. Issues such as pain and limited movement become more prevalent as we age, and seeking professional guidance can help you stay healthier for longer.
At our MSK orthopaedic clinic in Chatswood, Hornsby and Wentworth Point, our doctors are passionate about helping patients improve their health and get the professional care they need. Whether you are seeking to improve your body’s function, flexibility, and movement, or treat a serious chronic condition, we can help you reach your goals. Inquire to learn more about musculoskeletal health or book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist?
Both chiropractors and physiotherapists deal with issues related to the musculoskeletal system. However, they take a slightly different approach. A phisio focuses on a person’s movement and function through stretching and exercise, while a chiropractor treats pain through techniques such as spinal adjustment. A doctor will recommend the right treatment approach for you, depending on your health and the issues you wish to address.
At what age can I seek musculoskeletal health care?
Although severe conditions are more common in older adults, you are never too young to take care of your bones, muscles, and joints. People of all ages can benefit from getting regular check-ups and looking after their health.
Can ergonomics help my musculoskeletal health?
Ergonomics generally refers to a person’s work station and whether it is designed to suit a person’s physical needs. Good ergonomics is important, especially if you have a desk job or perform repetitive tasks as part of your work.
