Muscle and tendon problems can affect everyday movement, work, exercise, training and sport. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, weakness or difficulty tolerating particular movements, loads or activities.
The location of symptoms alone does not establish the nature of the problem. Assessment considers how symptoms started, how they behave, movement, strength, loading tolerance, function and other clinically relevant findings.
When physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate
Physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate when muscle or tendon symptoms are affecting normal activity, exercise, training, work or sport, or when function is not improving as expected.
The assessment helps clarify the clinical presentation, identify clinically relevant factors and determine whether physiotherapy management may be appropriate.
What rehabilitation may involve
Management depends on the individual presentation. Where appropriate, this may include advice, movement or exercise, progressive strengthening, activity modification and other physiotherapy interventions based on the assessment findings.
Rehabilitation may progress according to symptoms, function and loading tolerance, with the aim of developing the physical capacity required for everyday activity, exercise, training or sport.
When further assessment may be needed
Some muscle or tendon presentations require medical investigation or assessment outside physiotherapy. If the history or clinical findings indicate that another healthcare professional or further investigation is appropriate, referral should take priority.