What is it?

Conservative management of musculoskeletal problems include making an accurate diagnosis from the outset and leading multidisciplinary care of complex orthopaedic problems such as exercise induced leg pain, chronic hip/groin pain, pain at the front of the knee, tendon problems and back/spinal problems.

How is it managed?

The goal is usually to reduce pain and improve function; surgical treatment is always the last option. This may be managed as follows:

• Diagnosis and monitoring: ensures appropriate therapy is delivered at each point
• Education: enables effective self-management
• Exercise therapy: enables management of chronic and acute conditions
• Psychological input: enables effective self-management and support, as these conditions are often associated with chronic pain, anxiety and depression
• Pain management: enables normal activity and progression with physiotherapy to address underlying causes
• Injection therapy
• Weight loss management: helps to offload weight bearing joints