MSK Physiotherapy Resources - FAQs

Sprain or Strain

A SPRAIN commonly occurs when a joint is taken beyond its normal movement range, for example, twisting your ankle. Injuries are graded from mild to severe, with typical symptoms including pain, swelling, bruising, functional loss (e.g. pain on weight bearing) and/or giving way in severe sprains.

A STRAIN is an injury caused by an overstretch to a muscle or tendon - the connective tissue attaching the muscle to the bone. Strains may be graded from mild to severe (e.g. a ruptured tendon). Strains may also be acute in response to a sudden injury, or occur more frequently for example a repetitive strain injury. Symptoms may include muscle pain, spasm, weakness, bruising, swelling, and/or cramping.

What are bruises, how can I reduce bruising and when should I see my GP?

Bruises are areas of discolouration that appear on the skin, most commonly after an injury such as a sprain, strain or direct blow. They can range in colour from bluish purple, to brown or black depending on your usual skin colour.

They are caused by bleeding that occurs under the skin as part of the natural healing process. Some people bruise more easily than others. Bruising is more common as we age, as our skin naturally becomes thinner.

If you are taking anti-coagulant medication, any injury can cause significant bruising, because the blood clotting function is reduced. After an injury you can help reduce the bruising by applying a cold compress to the area. Over the counter pain medications e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen may help with associated pain as advised by your pharmacist.

My muscles are sore.

Muscle soreness is a common reaction to a bout of activity such as work, playing sport or even vigorous housework/DIY. It is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), usually experienced 24-72 hours post activity and is normally harmless. Some examples of the causes of DOMS:

• suddenly increasing the duration, frequency or intensity of your exercise/activity
• a change in your normal exercise that uses your muscles in a different way
• an inadequate warm up prior to exercise
• a lack of sleep or poor sleep pattern can cause muscle soreness and joint pain (strategies to improve sleep can help with this)

There may be occasions where muscle soreness lasts longer than the few days you would expect after an activity you are unfamiliar with. There can be many reasons for this. If your muscle soreness is persistent or worsening then consult your physiotherapist/GP or 111.

I have some questions about my medicine.

In the first instance speak to your local pharmacist. Pharmacists are experts in medicines and their use. They can offer you support on the appropriate medication for you and how to use it safely.

When do I need a fit note?

If you're off work sick for 7 days or less, your employer will normally ask you to complete a self-certification for sick leave as soon as you return to work.

If you're off work sick for more than 7 days, your employer will normally ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from your GP or hospital doctor.

Fit notes are sometimes referred to as medical statements or doctor's note.

Do I need an X-ray or scan?

X-rays or scans are not usually required to manage most MSK conditions. They often highlight normal age-related changes and often this does not change how you manage your problem in the first instance.

However, x-rays and scans are best used when a serious injury (e.g. fracture) or conditions (e.g. cancer, infections, inflammatory conditions) are suspected.

What if I can't do the exercises fully?

Try not to worry. Start with an exercise that you can manage and build up gradually. Then move onto some of the more challenging exercises. With time as your body adapts and your confidence increases, your ability to carry out the exercises should improve.

What can physiotherapy offer?

Our physiotherapists take a whole‑person approach, focusing on goals that matter to you. We provide:

• Personalised assessment
• Advice and education
• Exercise programmes and lifestyle guidance

Research shows that, in most cases, keeping active and doing exercises is safe - even when you have pain - and is an important part of recovery.

What happens at a physiotherapy appointment?

We offer face-to-face, telephone and video appointments, you will be able to request your preference.

During your first appointment, your physiotherapist will:

• discuss your symptoms to understand the impact these have on your life
• ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle to help understand you better and provide you with the right care
• if appropriate - perform a physical examination, which may include assessing your movement, strength, and function
• explain their findings and help you understand your condition or pain

Your physiotherapist will work with you to create a personalised action plan based on your goals. This may include:

• advice and education
• an exercise programme
• signposting to classes or local community groups

They will also discuss whether further appointments are needed based on your clinical needs.

Please note the above information relates to MSK Physiotherapy appointments provided by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. This information may differ for other MSK Physiotherapy providers.

How do I refer myself to physiotherapy in LLR?

If you have tried the self-help measures on these pages and the symptoms have not settled, you can self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy if you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.

For more information on how to self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy visit our Service Page.

What does UHL and LPT mean?

There are 2 different providers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) for MSK Physiotherapy. They are often referred to by their acronyms - UHL and LPT.

UHL is University Hospitals of Leicester, and provides MSK Physiotherapy from the the 3 main hospitals in the Leicester:

• Leicester Royal Infirmary
• Leicester General Hospital
• Leicester Glenfield Hospital

LPT is Leicestershire Partnership Trust, and provides MSK Physiotherapy from the local community hospitals and health centres in LLR:

• Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre
• Braunstone Health and Social Care Centre
• Belgrave Health Centre
• Hinckley HUB
• Coalville Community Hospital
• Ashby - Hood Park Leisure Centre
• Loughborough Hospital
• Melton Mowbray Hospital
• Rutland Memorial Hospital
• Market Harborough - St Luke's Hospital
• Lutterworth - Feilding Palmer Hospital

Both LPT and UHL provide the same treatment offers for MSK Physiotherapy. They deliver virtual and in face contacts, in a range of 1:1 and group/class settings.

Whether you receive treatment by LPT or UHL generally depends on your address (i.e. which sites are more convenient for you to attend) not your condition.

Where do you provide physiotherapy treatment?

There are 2 different providers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) for MSK Physiotherapy. They are often referred to by their acronyms - UHL and LPT.

UHL is University Hospitals of Leicester, and provides MSK Physiotherapy from the the 3 main hospitals in the Leicester:

• Leicester Royal Infirmary
• Leicester General Hospital
• Leicester Glenfield Hospital

LPT is Leicestershire Partnership Trust, and provides MSK Physiotherapy from the local community hospitals and health centres in LLR:

Leicester City...

• Merlyn Vaz Health and Social Care Centre
• Braunstone Health and Social Care Centre
• Belgrave Health Centre

Leicestershire...

• Ashby - Hood Park Leisure Centre
• Coalville Community Hospital
• Hinckley HUB
• Loughborough Hospital
• Melton Mowbray - St Mary's Hospital
• Market Harborough - St Luke's Hospital
• Lutterworth - Feilding Palmer Hospital

Rutland...

• Rutland Memorial Hospital

Both LPT and UHL provide the same treatment offers for MSK Physiotherapy. They deliver virtual and in face contacts, in a range of 1:1 and group/class settings.

Whether you receive MSK Physiotherapy treatment by LPT or UHL generally depends on your address (i.e. which sites are more convenient for you to attend) not your condition.