Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Together Physiotherapy provides musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy in Livingston, supporting individuals across West Lothian with back pain, neck pain, joint injuries and sports-related conditions.

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MSK physiotherapy addresses pain and movement dysfunction affecting muscles, joints, tendons and nerves.

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Symptoms may develop suddenly following injury, or gradually over time due to loading patterns, deconditioning or recurrent strain. In many cases, symptoms improve temporarily but recur when activity increases.

Ongoing pain is often influenced not only by tissue irritation, but by reduced load tolerance, altered motor control or protective movement strategies. Physiotherapy focuses on identifying these contributing factors and restoring strength, movement control and resilience in a structured and progressive way.

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Presentations Commonly Seen

Physiotherapy may be appropriate if you are experiencing:

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• Recurrent lower back pain or sciatica
   

• Neck pain that builds through the day
   

• Shoulder pain affecting lifting or sleep
   

• Knee pain with stairs, squatting or running
   

• Tendon pain that worsens with activity
   

• Joint instability or “giving way”
   

• Post-operative weakness or stiffness
   

• Symptoms described as “wear and tear” on imaging
   

Imaging findings do not always correlate directly with pain severity.

Assessment focuses on functional capacity, strength and load tolerance rather than scans alone.

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Individuals from Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Broxburn and surrounding West Lothian areas attend for structured rehabilitation when symptoms persist or recur.

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How Physiotherapy Helps

Effective MSK rehabilitation typically involves:

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• Identifying mechanical and functional contributors
   

• Restoring joint mobility where restricted
   

• Rebuilding strength in underloaded tissues
   

• Improving neuromuscular control
   

• Gradually increasing tolerance to meaningful activity
   

Manual therapy may be used where appropriate. However, long-term improvement depends primarily on progressive rehabilitation and tissue adaptation.

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Progression is guided by response rather than fixed timelines.

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What to Expect

Initial Assessment

• Detailed clinical history
   

• Movement and strength assessment
   

• Neurological screening where indicated
   

• Clear explanation of findings
   

• Personalised rehabilitation plan
   

The aim is clarity — understanding what is driving symptoms and how improvement will be measured.

Ongoing Rehabilitation

Follow-up sessions focus on:

• Monitoring response to loading
   

• Exercise progression
   

• Technical correction
   

• Return-to-work or return-to-sport planning
   

Rehabilitation is adjusted according to progress, not arbitrary session counts.