Advanced Medical Therapies
Effective management of musculoskeletal complaints is dependent upon a prompt and accurate diagnosis and an integrated treatment programme. Attention to detail is vital. Individuals from 
Allied Specialities are involved to move the treatment programme forward as appropriate. Dr Speed’s Associates include physical therapists, biomechanists, exercise practitioners and sport scientists.
Many musculoskeletal problems – e.g. injuries and arthritis – are painful. Pain management is important, to allow effective rehabilitation to proceed. Different approaches to pain management can be used, depending on the individual and the ailment. Good pain control allows the patient to be function more effectively while other aspects of treatment are addressed.
In addition to physical, physiological and nutritional approaches, other medical interventions for musculoskeletal conditions include:
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Medications (topical, oral)
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Injections
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Modalities
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Nutrition
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Psychological therapies
Medications
Medications can be used for pain control, or for other reasons, such as to reduce inflammation, to promote healing and to aid recovery.
There are many forms of pain relieving medications that can be used together or alone. Some are suited to short term use, and others are used longer term. There continues to be significant advances in the development of new medications for pain control.
Injection therapies
Dr Speed utilizes a number of different approaches to treat specific musculoskeletal complaints. These injections can reduce pain, improve function and may help to promote healing and repair of injured or painful tissue.
The accuracy of injections is very important. For this reason Dr Speed performs injections under ultrasound guidance where necessary. Injections include:
Modalities
Electrical modalities used to treat musculoskeletal conditions include longstanding approaches such as ultrasound therapy and pulsed short wave therapy. Although there is good scientific rationale to support their use in some situations, the evidence base for clinical effect is lacking.
Newer treatment modalities for musculoskeletal conditions include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). This is now an established therapeutic procedure for the treatment of a wide number of musculoskeletal complaints, including heel, knee, shoulder and elbow problems, calcific disorders and some fractures. The treatment involves very high energy pressure pulses. It aims to reduce the pain arising from nerve endings and to promote the healing response to injury.
