Musculoskeletal (MSK) Practitioner

MSK Practitioners are experienced physiotherapists who can assess, diagnose and treat patients with joint and muscle pain.

About MSK Practitioners

MSK practitioners come from a range of disciplines including physiotherapy, osteopathy and podiatry. They are highly skilled with a wealth of knowledge and experience.

They support patients to improve their quality of life, reverse conditions and reduce disability, often keeping people out of hospital. They work with patients with issues such as back, neck and joint pain by assessing and diagnosing issues, giving advice on how best to manage their conditions and referring them on to specialist services if necessary. They are also able to educate and share their expertise with the wider primary care team and discuss fitness for work, healthy lifestyle choices and self-care.

Profile

Name: Katie Clough

Job title: MSK First Contact Practitioner

Located: Isle of Wight

“I work in primary care on the Isle of Wight, as a first contact practitioner specialising in musculoskeletal (MSK) medicine, based in general practice within the Central and West Wight Health Alliance, Primary Care Network.

“On average MSK conditions, such as arthritis, problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves or bones, account for around 17 to 33 per cent of a GP’s caseload. A few years ago, we started a four-month pilot on the Island using Advanced MSK Practitioners working part-time within general practice.

“It proved so successful, freeing up 500 patient appointments, reducing costs and ensuring patient treatment with the right person at the right time, that we have since started rolling it out across the Island.

“I am now helping to grow and expand the team and assisting with the training and development of some of those who are new to the role, so they have the right support.”