What Is an NHS Musculoskeletal (MSK) Assessment?

In most of England you can refer yourself to community MSK services for back, joint and muscle problems. Here is what the assessment involves and what can follow.

Updated · 5 min read

Illustration of a spine, a knee joint and a physiotherapy exercise band

An NHS musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment is an appointment where a specialist, often a physiotherapist, looks at a problem with your back, joints, muscles or ligaments, works out what is likely to be causing it, and agrees a plan with you. In most of England you can refer yourself to community MSK services without seeing a GP first.

What MSK services help with

The NHS website lists conditions that community MSK services can help with, including:

  • back, knee, shoulder or neck pain
  • arthritis
  • sciatica
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • plantar fasciitis
  • tennis elbow
  • recovery after an injury, such as a sports strain
  • recovery after surgery, such as a hip or knee replacement

You do not need a diagnosis to be seen.

MSK services do not offer urgent or emergency help. If you have a serious injury, severe pain after a fall, or new symptoms such as numbness around your bottom or genitals or problems controlling your bladder or bowels alongside back pain, get urgent help from 111, A&E or 999.

Referring yourself to MSK services

You can usually refer yourself if you live in England and are registered with a GP. In some areas, self-referral is not yet available and you need to contact your GP surgery instead.

To refer yourself:

  1. Go to the NHS website's back and joint problems page and start the self-referral.
  2. Enter the name of your GP surgery, so it can find the services in your area.
  3. Choose a service and select the option to start a referral.
  4. Fill in the service's form. Most are online, but the service website will explain other ways if you cannot do it online.

A health professional reviews your referral, and the service contacts you to explain what happens next, including how long the wait is.

If you are not registered with a GP, you can search online for your local community MSK self-referral service, or register with a GP first.

What happens at the assessment

Your first assessment may be face to face, by phone or by video. It usually includes the following.

Questions about your problem

You will be asked:

  • where the pain or problem is and how it started
  • what makes it better or worse
  • how it affects your sleep, work and daily activities
  • what you have already tried
  • your general health and any medicines you take

Physical examination

If you are seen in person, the clinician may watch how you move, test your strength and flexibility, and gently examine the area. Wear comfortable clothing that lets them see the affected joint, such as shorts for a knee problem.

Agreeing a plan

The clinician explains what they think is going on and talks through options with you. According to the NHS website, you may be offered:

  • assessment or diagnosis by a specialist
  • treatment or support, such as physiotherapy, pain management or occupational therapy
  • referral to other specialists, or for tests such as MRI or CT scans, if needed

Treatments you might be offered

Many MSK problems improve with the right exercises and advice. Your plan might include:

  • a programme of exercises to do at home
  • advice on staying active and returning to work or sport
  • help with managing pain
  • physiotherapy sessions
  • occupational therapy, for help with daily tasks
  • a referral to a specialist if surgery or injections might be needed

Doing your exercises regularly is often the most important part of getting better. Tell the clinician if they are too hard or make things worse.

How to get the most from your assessment

  • Write down your main symptoms and what you want help with before the appointment.
  • Bring a list of your medicines.
  • Be honest about how the problem affects you, including at work.
  • Ask what you can do yourself while you wait for treatment.

Preparing for a phone or video assessment

Many first MSK assessments happen by phone or video. To make the most of it:

  • find a quiet, private space with enough room to move around
  • for video, use a charged device with a camera and test it beforehand
  • wear clothing that lets you show the affected area
  • have a list of your medicines and any previous scans or letters nearby

The clinician may ask you to do simple movements so they can see how the joint or back is working.

What to bring to a face-to-face appointment

  • a list of your medicines, or the packets
  • a note of when the problem started and how it has changed
  • any letters or results from previous treatment
  • shorts or a vest top if the problem is in your knee, hip or shoulder
  • your glasses or hearing aids, if you use them

You can bring someone with you for support. The NHS website suggests writing down what you want to discuss before any outpatient appointment, so you do not forget anything important.

MSK questions people ask

Is MSK the same as physiotherapy?

Not exactly. Physiotherapy is one of the main treatments MSK services provide, but MSK services can also include pain management, occupational therapy and referral to specialists.

Will I get a scan?

Only if it would help your care. Many back and joint problems can be assessed without a scan. Your clinician will refer you if one is needed.

Do I need my GP's permission?

No, if self-referral is available in your area.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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