A musculoskeletal orthopaedic assessment performed by a physiotherapist involves a comprehensive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and other related structures. This assessment aims to identify any issues or dysfunctions that may be causing pain, discomfort, or limitations in movement.

Your physiotherapist will gather information about your medical history, including any previous injuries, surgeries, or existing health conditions and current symptoms such as nature of the pain. Your physiotherapist may also assess your posture, gait, and overall body mechanics to identify any visible abnormalities or asymmetries.

Your physiotherapist may need to measaure the flexibility and mobility of joints to identify restrictions or limitations in movement. Your physiotherapist may also asses the strength of various muscle groups to identify weaknesses or imbalances that may contribute to musculoskeletal issues.

Your physiotherapist may perform specific tests designed to assess the integrity of ligaments, tendons, and other structures associated with joints. Depending on your work/sports requirements, they may also evaluate how well you can perform everyday activities and identifying any difficulties or compensations.

This assessment involves your physiotherapist to use their hands to feel and assess various structures in the body, such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. It is a crucial component of a physical examination and helps your physiotherapist gather information about the condition of the musculoskeletal system.

Using the information obtained from the assessment process, your physiotherapist will make a musculoskeletal diagnosis, and they can usually provide you with information about the affected structures, the nature of the problem (e.g., sprain, strain, tendinopathy), and contributing factors. Once the diagnosis is established, the physiotherapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to address the identified musculoskeletal issues.