When you attend an MSK appointment, where possible, please report to reception.
Some of our sites do not have a reception area and, in this instance, please take a seat in the waiting area. A clinician will come out to greet you at your appointment time. If you are waiting more than 10 minutes past your appointment time, please notify a member of staff in the area.
Please note that not all of our sites are available for all types of assessment.
It is helpful if you bring a list of your current medications and reports of any relevant investigations or tests you may have had. This may help with planning your treatment and care.
You might prefer to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment, depending on your injury or condition. For example, if you are being seen for a leg condition, it may be advisable to wear a pair of shorts if you have them. You may be asked to remove items of clothing to complete our assessment. If this occurs, we can arrange for a chaperone to be present, at your request. You will always be examined in a private room, or a curtained/screened cubicle.
Appointment lengths may vary depending upon the nature and complexity of your condition and the service, but generally an initial appointment will last up to 30 minutes. Follow up appointments will be of approximately 20 minutes in duration.
We try to agree your initial appointment date and time with you to avoid you missing or needing to cancel, however we ask you notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to attend your appointment.
If you do not attend the appointment without letting us know you may be discharged from our service.
Your clinician will introduce themselves and guide you to a curtained cubicle or room. Once here, they will start by checking your personal details are correct.
The clinician will then ask you a series of questions to establish your past medical history, as well as your present condition. These questions may not seem connected to your condition, but can enable the clinician to fully understand your condition and establish or formulate a treatment plan with you.
The clinician may also complete certain tests on your joints or muscles to help diagnose your condition. These tests may sometimes bring on your symptoms.
As part of your treatment and where appropriate, you will be provided with a treatment/exercise programme to continue with at home.
Your clinician will review your condition and adapt your treatment plan dependant on your progress.
Can you help us to develop and improve our service by joining a patient forum or by sharing your patient story? To find out more please contact:
or alternatively, call:
0300 131 5225
to register your interest.
Although you consent for treatment, you are able, at any time, to withdraw your consent. Please discuss this with your clinician. If you wish to have a chaperone present, this can also be provided upon request.
This information is for guidance purposes only and is not provided to replace professional clinical advice from a qualified practitioner.
