Referred to MSK clinic.

[fizzierascal]

Today my GP has referred me to the MSK clinic. Apparently this is the route into rheumatology. Before I get all excited about being taken seriously does anyone know what actually happens at MSK clinic?

Thanks in advance and I hope everyone had a good Christmas and happy new year

Fizz

[helixhelix]

There are many different names for clinics that are run by specialist doctors who know about our disease - Musculoskeletal (MSK), Connective Tissue, Early Arthritis, Rheumatology, etc But basically it's all pretty similar. A doctor will assess you (wear good underwear) and look at your notes. Probably order more tests and maybe x-rays, scans or ultrasound. And then decide on a future path for you....fingers crossed they could come up with a diagnosis and a treatment plan. But sometimes it can take many appointments to get there. Good luck.

[fizzierascal in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you! I’m not expecting anything to happen quickly but I do feel as if my GP doesn’t think I’m making it up

[Srf8]

I was referred to rheumatology via msk. I had problems with my foot joints for 2 years before then. I saw various people there as it was variable in swelling and pain and location. Had 3 mri’s. I refused an operation then was referred to rheumatology by a process of elimination

[nomoreheels]

This is a copy of the explanation of the function of the MSK Clinic at my hospital, hope it helps.

MSK (Musculoskeletal) Service

The Community Musculoskeletal Service carries out assessment and treatment of problems which affect bones, joints and soft tissues. These generally affect the:

spine – from the neck through to lower back

hips, knees, feet and ankles

Shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands.

Many musculoskeletal problems are long-term conditions. We aim to maximise a patient’s ability to function independently using education, treatment and advice and pain management strategies. For each patient we carry out a face-to-face assessment that includes a consultation and examination.

Treatments may include:

Home exercise programs

Gym-based exercise classes

Pain management advice and programs

Manual therapy

Acupuncture

Injection therapy

Electrotherapy treatment

Splinting

Patient advice – group and individual sessions

Patient information in a variety of formats

The team also includes a Tier 2 Service led by a Consultant Physiotherapist supported by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, GP and Extended Scope Practitioners. This service has been commissioned to provide a single point of access provides clinical triage for all MSK and Orthopaedic referrals across the Fylde coast. The service offer advanced clinical assessment which may include ordering investigations such as X-Ray, MRI and Blood screens and treatment such as soft tissue and joint injections advise on analgesic management.

Our staff can refer patients to other departments for specialist advice, an opinion for surgery or other specialist treatments such as spinal injections.

[fizzierascal in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you! This looks like it could be similar to my local trust (im guessing here)

[HevJ]

My Dr sent me for bloods and direct to the early arthritis dept. From there on first appt from the bloods RA was detected. I was offered a steroid jab and seen within weeks. Impressed with the speed of things in my area. Good luck.