Healthy Lifestyle Advice: Musculoskeletal Health

What is musculoskeletal health?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions relate to your joints, bones, muscles and sometimes associated tissues (like nerves). They can range from minor injuries to long-term conditions. About 30 million working days are lost due to MSK conditions every year in the UK and they account for up to 30% of GP consultations in England.

Common types of MSK conditions include:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Knee pain
  • Hip pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Elbow pain
  • Wrist pain
  • Shoulder pain

Prevention is better than cure

To prevent musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, the NHS recommends regular physical activity, including muscle-strengthening exercises, and minimizing sedentary behaviour, along with a healthy diet and maintaining good posture. 

General Recommendations:

  • Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (like brisk walking or cycling) and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week. 
  • Strengthening Exercises: Incorporate activities that target major muscle groups, such as resistance exercises, yoga, or carrying heavy shopping. 
  • Minimize Sedentary Behaviour: Break up periods of inactivity with movement, and aim to be active daily. 
  • Healthy Diet: A balanced diet is important for bone health and overall well-being, which can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis and falls. 
  • Maintain Good Posture: Pay attention to your posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods. 
  • Warm-up and Stretch: Before engaging in activities that are repetitive, static, or prolonged, warm up and stretch to prepare your muscles and joints. 
  • Take Breaks:Take frequent breaks from any sustained posture every 20-30 minutes and stretch stiff muscles. 
  • Change Positions: Regularly change your working position, especially if you sit for long periods. 
  • Respect Pain: Change positions or stop whenever activities cause pain.

Managing common MSK conditions

MSK Practitioner

The Manor Surgery has a MSK specialist (sometimes called a first-contact physiotherapist). If you are struggling with a MSK complaint, please contact the surgery to book an appointment with our MSK specialist.