Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy in Birmingham
Assessment and treatment for back, neck and joint pain, muscle and tendon injuries, arthritis and recovery after orthopaedic surgery.
Back, neck & joints
Muscles, tendons and nerves
Beyond the painful area
We assess movement, strength, work and lifestyle, not just your symptoms.
Hands-on and active
Manual therapy combined with a tailored exercise programme.
Post-surgery rehab
Structured recovery after orthopaedic surgery.
Built to last
Self-management skills so your progress keeps going.
Expert MSK Physiotherapy in Birmingham
Our musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy service assesses and treats conditions affecting the muscles, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves. These are the problems that stop you sleeping well, sitting comfortably at work, lifting your children or enjoying exercise.
We look beyond the painful area alone. Pain in one place is often influenced by how you move, how strong and mobile you are, how you work and how much you are doing. Your assessment considers movement, strength, mobility, function, lifestyle, work and the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment combines hands-on techniques with a structured, progressive exercise programme. Manual therapy and soft-tissue work can ease pain and stiffness in the short term, while strengthening, mobility work and movement retraining build lasting change.
Our aim is not simply to manage symptoms, but to help you regain confidence in movement and achieve sustainable improvements in everyday life. If physiotherapy alone is not enough, we can arrange onward referral for imaging, orthopaedic assessment or consideration of a steroid injection.
Your assessment considers
- Movement and mobility
- Strength
- Function in daily life
- Lifestyle and work
- What may be contributing to your symptoms
MSK Conditions We Treat
Common reasons people come to see our musculoskeletal physiotherapists.
Back Pain
Acute and persistent lower back pain that limits sitting, lifting or sleep.
Neck Pain
Stiffness and pain linked to posture, desk work or strain.
Shoulder Pain and Injuries
Pain, stiffness and injuries affecting the shoulder.
Knee and Hip Pain
Pain from injury, overuse or wear and tear that affects walking and stairs.
Ankle and Foot Problems
Sprains, stiffness and pain that change how you walk.
Sciatica and Nerve Symptoms
Pain, tingling or numbness travelling from the back into the leg.
Osteoarthritis and Joint Stiffness
Keeping joints moving with strength and mobility work.
Tendon Problems
Painful, irritated tendons that limit activity.
Rehab After Orthopaedic Surgery
A progressive return to normal activity after your operation.
We also help with
Understanding Common MSK Problems
A closer look at the conditions we see most often, and how physiotherapy can help.
01
Lower Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physiotherapist. It can come on suddenly after lifting or twisting, or build gradually with long periods of sitting, poor posture, stress or reduced activity.
Most back pain is not caused by serious damage, but it can still be very limiting. We assess how you move and what is loading your back, then use hands-on treatment, exercise and practical advice to help you move with confidence again.
How we help
- Mobility and core strengthening
- Posture and lifting advice
- Gradual return to normal activity
02
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Neck pain is often linked to desk work, phone use, stress and sleeping position. Shoulder problems can follow an injury, repeated overhead movement or a gradual change in how the joint is loaded.
Treatment focuses on easing pain, restoring movement and strengthening the muscles that support the neck and shoulder, so the problem is less likely to come back.
How we help
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue work
- Postural and workstation advice
- Shoulder strengthening programmes
03
Sciatica and Nerve-Related Symptoms
Sciatica describes pain, tingling or numbness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and leg. It happens when the nerve is irritated or under pressure, which can be very uncomfortable.
We assess the source of your symptoms, help you find positions and movements that ease them, and build a programme to restore movement and strength. If symptoms persist, we can arrange onward referral.
How we help
- Symptom-easing movement strategies
- Progressive strengthening
- Onward referral where appropriate
04
Osteoarthritis and Joint Stiffness
Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. It can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement, but staying active and strong is one of the most effective ways to manage it.
We help you understand your condition, choose the right type and amount of exercise, and keep joints moving so you can carry on with the things you enjoy.
How we help
- Strength and mobility exercises
- Activity and pacing advice
- Self-management strategies
05
Tendon Problems
Tendon pain often builds up when a tendon is loaded more than it is used to, for example after a change in activity, training or work. Common areas include the shoulder, elbow, knee, Achilles and hip.
Tendons respond well to carefully progressed loading exercises. Where suitable, shockwave therapy may also be considered as part of a wider programme.
How we help
- Progressive tendon loading
- Activity modification
- Shockwave therapy where suitable
06
Rehabilitation After Orthopaedic Surgery
Recovery after joint replacement, ligament repair or other orthopaedic surgery depends heavily on good rehabilitation. Strength, movement and confidence all need to be rebuilt step by step.
We guide you from early recovery through to your normal activities, adjusting your programme as you progress and liaising with your surgical team where needed.
How we help
- Early movement and strength work
- Therapy gym progression
- Return to work, sport and daily life
How We Treat MSK Conditions
A combination of hands-on treatment and active rehabilitation, tailored to you.
Individualised exercise programmes
Exercises selected for your condition and progressed as you get stronger.
Strengthening and conditioning
Building the strength and capacity your body needs for daily life.
Mobility and flexibility exercises
Restoring movement to stiff joints and tight muscles.
Manual therapy
Hands-on joint techniques to ease pain and improve movement.
Soft-tissue techniques
Treatment for tight, overworked or painful muscles.
Movement retraining
Changing how you move to reduce strain on the problem area.
Postural advice
Practical changes to how you sit, stand and work.
Education and self-management
Understanding your condition and how to manage it yourself.
Functional rehabilitation
Practising the real tasks you need for home, work and sport.
Progressive return to normal activity
A planned build-up so you get back to everything safely.
What to Expect
Your journey at HOLOS, step by step, from first appointment to long-term wellbeing.
01
Detailed assessment
We discuss your symptoms and history, then assess movement, strength and the factors contributing to your pain.
02
Clear explanation
We explain what we think is going on in plain language and agree goals with you.
03
Treatment and exercise
Hands-on care where helpful, plus a tailored exercise programme you can do at home.
04
Progress and prevent
We progress your programme, review your goals and give you the tools to stay well.
Why HOLOS
Why Choose HOLOS for MSK Physiotherapy?
HCPC registered physiotherapists
Including Chartered Physiotherapists with advanced UK clinical experience.
Two clinics, one team
Birmingham (Marston Green) and Solihull, with one number to book both.
Shockwave therapy available
Considered for suitable tendon and MSK conditions after assessment.
Onward referral
Imaging, orthopaedic assessment or consideration of steroid injection when appropriate.
MSK Physiotherapy FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we are asked most.
What is musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy?
MSK physiotherapy assesses and treats conditions affecting the muscles, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and nerves, such as back pain, neck pain, joint pain and sports or work-related injuries.
Can physiotherapy help back pain?
Yes. Back pain is one of the most common problems we treat. We assess what is contributing to your pain and use hands-on treatment, exercise, movement retraining and advice to help you move with confidence again.
Can physiotherapy help sciatica?
Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms are among the conditions we treat. We assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and use movement retraining, strengthening, education and self-management to help.
Can physiotherapy help with osteoarthritis?
Yes. We treat osteoarthritis and joint pain and stiffness with strengthening, mobility and flexibility work, education and a progressive return to activity.
Do you offer rehabilitation after surgery?
Yes. We provide rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery, progressing you from early recovery back to your normal activities.
How long will it take to get better?
It depends on the condition, how long you have had it and your goals. After your assessment we will explain what to expect and agree a plan with you, and we review progress regularly.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Comfortable clothing that lets us see and move the area being treated is ideal, for example shorts for knee or hip problems and a vest top for shoulder or neck problems.
What if physiotherapy alone is not enough?
Where symptoms persist or further assessment is needed, we can refer you onward for diagnostic imaging, orthopaedic assessment or consideration of a steroid injection.
Find MSK Physiotherapy Near You
Book at our Birmingham or Solihull clinic. One number and one booking form for both.
Birmingham (Marston Green)
16 Land Lane, Marston Green
Birmingham, B37 7DQ
Close to Birmingham Airport, the NEC and the M42.
Solihull
Solihull clinic address
coming soon
Serving Solihull, Shirley, Knowle, Dorridge and nearby.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book an assessment at our Birmingham or Solihull clinic and we will build a plan around your goals.