Advanced MSK Physiotherapy provides a more detailed specialist assessment for complex, persistent, recurrent or unclear musculoskeletal problems.
The service can be booked directly from the outset. You do not need to have seen another clinician first.
Depending on the assessment, the next step may involve treatment and rehabilitation, further investigation, another Physiozen service or referral to an appropriate specialist.
There may be features of an inflammatory or rheumatological condition; further investigation or referral may need to be considered.
You do not need to have seen another clinician before booking an Advanced MSK appointment.
Not all joint, spinal or muscle pain is purely mechanical. Advanced MSK assessment also considers whether symptoms may suggest an inflammatory or rheumatological condition.
Where appropriate, this may include conditions such as axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Where clinically indicated, patients can be guided towards appropriate investigations and specialist referral.
A painful joint, back or muscle does not always tell the whole story.
We consider the pattern of your symptoms, movement, medical history, previous treatment, activity, wider health and other factors that may help explain what is happening.
The aim is to identify the most appropriate route forward rather than simply treating the painful area in isolation.
Identify whether further investigation or specialist referral is required.
You should leave with a clearer understanding of your problem, the available options and a treatment plan agreed with you based on your needs, goals and clinical findings.
Some conditions require more than treatment alone.
Where clinically appropriate, your Advanced MSK assessment may identify the need for further investigation or referral to an appropriate medical or specialist service.
This helps ensure that symptoms requiring further assessment are recognised and directed to the right pathway.
If your recovery requires more than Advanced MSK assessment, Physiozen brings multidisciplinary expertise and a range of treatments together within the same Chertsey clinic.
Depending on your needs, this may include Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy, Injection Therapy, Acupuncture, Pilates or Podiatry.
This multidisciplinary approach helps reduce unnecessary hand-offs between different providers and creates a clearer, more coordinated patient journey.
Advanced assessment is about identifying the right next step — not automatically recommending another treatment.
Depending on the findings, this may include Physiotherapy and rehabilitation, personalised exercise, education and self-management, Shockwave Therapy, Acupuncture or Dry Needling, Pilates, Injection Therapy, Podiatry, further investigation or referral to an appropriate medical or specialist service.
Injection Therapy may be considered for selected musculoskeletal or joint conditions where clinically appropriate. Suitability is assessed and confirmed before treatment. Booking an Advanced MSK Physiotherapy assessment does not guarantee an injection.
Advanced MSK assessments are led by Sam Bhide, Clinical Director and Advanced Practice Physiotherapist, with specialist experience across musculoskeletal and rheumatological care.
Her national work includes improving recognition of inflammatory MSK conditions, professional education and contributing to rheumatology guideline development.
