Musculoskeletal

Service Directory

Introduction

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has musculoskeletal physiotherapy services based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke's Hospital, Shipley Hospital, Eccleshill independent treatment centre, and at many GP practises in the area.

There are approximately 45 musculoskeletal physiotherapists employed by the trust, who are dedicated to delivering evidence based health care. Staff members are committed to continuing professional development, and postgraduate studies are encouraged and fully supported. Many physiotherapists have either completed or are currently working to-ward's Master's degrees, some are also honorary lecturers at the University of Bradford.

Acupuncture

Many of the staff working in the physiotherapy department throughout the trust are qualified to administer acupuncture. Physiotherapists use acupuncture to treat a variety of chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain conditions.

Balance platform System

The department also has a computerised balance platform that is used to evaluate any proprioceptive or postural stability problems, and rehabilitate them.

Electrotherapy

The physiotherapy department has ultrasound, pulsed short wave diathermy, interferential, TENS and faradic stimulation machines, which are used when appropriate as adjuncts to manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation.

Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP's)

The physiotherapy department employs three ESP's who are specialist physiotherapists in spinal and peripheral musculoskeletal conditions. They are practitioners who work in orthopaedic triage and first contact services, but are also regularly available to physiotherapists for support and guidance with more complex patients.

First Contact Service

A first contact musculoskeletal physiotherapist clinic has been successfully established by staff from this trust at a Bradford GP practise to offer its patients a rapid access service. An experienced physiotherapist will assess, advise and organise subsequent treatment when appropriate.
Further information about this service is available by e-mail request.

Isokinetic Testing

The department has an isokinetic machine that is a safe and efficient means of testing muscle function, increasing strength and rehabilitating musculoskeletal performance.

Manual Therapy

All qualified physiotherapists are trained in manual therapy and this is used in the treatment of many conditions, along with exercise rehabilitation. Manual therapies include;
Passive joint mobilisation, soft tissue mobilisation, passive stretches, muscle energy techniques and manipulation.

Referral to other services

Physiotherapists within the Trust can directly refer patients to the following services:
A disability employment adviser
Podiatry
Appliances
Occupational Therapy (OT)