NHS MSK Waiting Lists on the Fylde Coast: How Sports Therapy Can Help

FACT - NHS MSK WAITING LISTS ON THE FYLDE COAST ARE FAR TOO LONG.

So what happens to people in pain while they wait?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems affect every part of our daily life. Whether it’s back pain, a shoulder injury, knee pain, a sports injury or ongoing muscle tightness. Living with discomfort can impact your sleep, work, exercise and mental well being.

Yet so many people are left waiting weeks or even months for assessments and treatment through NHS MSK services. Sadly, the pain doesn't stop while you wait for an appointment.

This is where private sports therapists and other physical therapists come in by supporting people with musculoskeletal issues.

A sports therapist will firstly assess the problem and build a treatment program with the outcome being a, hopefully, full recovery. All this will likely be done before your initial NHS MSK referral has been attended.

Going privately to a sports therapist shouldn't be seen as an alternative to using the NHS MSK services. It should be used as part of a support network together with GPs, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

There are pros and cons to going to either a private physical therapist or the NHS. The NHS is a free service but the MSK departments are heavily overloaded and understaffed meaning longer waiting times. Private sports or physical therapists cost money but can potentially get to the core of your issue a lot quicker.  They can also liaise with your GP or MSK Physiotherapist if an issue is outside of their capacity. This can potentially speed up your NHS referral. You can potentially have your private physical therapy costs reimbursed if you or your workplace has relevant insurance. If your GP recommends scans and/or X-rays, then the NHS route is, initially the way to go for most as it can be very expensive when done privately.

Private treatment isn't affordable or accessible for everyone, and it should never replace the need for a properly funded NHS, but you shouldn't feel that your only option is to put up with pain and hope it gets better. Hopefully this will give you options as to how you go about getting your treatment and hopefully your GP or NHS MSK therapist is also aware that there are other services available to take the weight off their workload. It's time that Sports Therapists and other physical therapists were recognised as part of the wider conversation around MSK care, injury prevention, rehabilitation and recovery.

Have you or someone you know been affected by long NHS MSK waiting times? What impact has it had on your daily life?