Musculoskeletal Service

Our Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Department focuses on restoring movement, strength and function in people with musculoskeletal conditions (conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles and nerves) or following surgery. 

Our skilled physiotherapists work together with you, enabling you to improve your quality of life. We use several methods to aid recovery and take a holistic approach, involving our patients in their own care.

Service details

Our aim is to provide a thorough assessment, to understand your individual needs. We will then tailor a treatment plan to you, making it specific with realistic goals set within the session.

Physiotherapy generally consists of exercises, advice and hands-on treatment. Self-management is encouraged but this is balanced with support and practical advice.

We treat:

  • Back and neck pain.
  • Upper and lower limb problems.
  • Post trauma/fracture.
  • Post-operative orthopaedic conditions.
  • Rheumatological conditions.
  • Injuries, including soft tissue and sports injuries.
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
  • Pre and post-op Cancer-related movement complications.

We operate a six-day service with appointments available within the following times:

  • Monday, 7am-4pm.
  • Tuesday, 7am-6pm.
  • Wednesday, 7am-6pm.
  • Thursday, 7am-4pm.
  • Friday, 7am-4pm.
  •  Saturday, 8am-4pm.

All of our team are chartered and/or state registered physiotherapists and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Our team is comprised of juniors, seniors, team leaders, clinical specialists and advanced physiotherapy practitioners who specialise in specific areas of physiotherapy including pain, rheumatology, spines, shoulders, knees, hips and the foot & ankle. 

We may also have physiotherapy students on placements who will be supervised by a senior physiotherapist.

How to access the service?

Our Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy team provides physiotherapy support for adults aged 16 years and above who are struggling with musculoskeletal issues.

We accept referrals from GPs and hospital consultants.

When we receive your referral it will be triaged and an appointment letter will be sent out or you may receive a phone call to arrange your appointment. 

If you are sent a letter it will advise you when your appointment is. If this is not suitable you must call our department to re-arrange this.

What to expect during your appointment?

All patients will receive a full physiotherapy assessment followed by a relevant course of treatment. 

Patients may be required to remove appropriate items of clothing to assist with the diagnosis and subsequent intervention. The treatment plan will be explained to the patient and the opportunity will be given to discuss it at each attendance.

The GP/consultant will be informed of the progress during treatment and on discharge if necessary.

Where are clinics held?

Our appointments are held at Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, in the musculoskeletal department.

Contact us

Our service is in the Physiotherapy Department, Level B, West Wing, Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, GU2 7XX.

You can contact the department by ringing 01483 464 153 or by emailing rsch.physioenquiries@nhs.net.

Please let us know at least 24 hours before your appointment if you need to cancel or re-arrange your appointment.

We follow the Trust Access Policy where you may re-arrange two appointments, after which a new referral may be required. 

If you fail to attend an appointment without letting us know in advance you will have two weeks to rebook this appointment, after which you will be discharged. If you fail to attend on more than two occasions you will be discharged from the service and will require a new referral.