What is occupational MSK support?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are the second most common cause of work-related ill health – second only to stress, and the leading physical cause (HSE 2024/25). As an independent occupational health provider, we assess what each person needs and open the route to it.
Our starting point is an assessment by a clinician – in person, by video or by phone, whichever suits. We establish the clinical condition, how it relates to the job, and what will help.
From there we open the route to recovery: physiotherapy through our HCPC-registered network, supporting and expediting NHS care, or signposting specialist treatment. Acting early matters – the evidence shows it can roughly halve recovery time.
Meet the clinical team →Where work-related MSK problems occur, and why
MSK problems affect different parts of the body and arise across every kind of workplace. The right support starts with getting the assessment right.
Back
Lower back problems are the single largest category, common in desk-based and manual roles.
Upper limbs & neck
Shoulders, arms, wrists and neck – often repetitive tasks, keyboard work or sustained postures.
Lower limbs
Hips, knees and legs – standing, lifting and physically demanding work.
Affected-area split and work-related causes: HSE, 2024/25.
At an average of 14 working days per case, MSK is one of the costliest forms of absence. Put real numbers to it for your workforce.
From referral to return to work
A work-focused pathway: assess the need, then act early.
Refer early
The sooner we assess, the better the outcome.
OH assessment
A clinician assesses the problem and the job demands behind it, in person, by video or by phone.
Identify what's needed
Treatment, adjustments or further investigation – we set out what will help.
Assessment report within 72 hoursSignpost the route
We arrange physiotherapy, expedite NHS care or signpost specialist treatment – whichever is fastest and right.
Functional capacity and fitness for work
Where needed, an objective assessment of what the person can safely do.
Return-to-work support & report
Practical adjustments and a clear report to the employer within 72 hours, with progress reviewed against the job.
Starting treatment within 0–2 days of a work-related MSK problem can halve recovery time.
Source: JOSPT Open, 2025 – retrospective cohort study of 83,846 occupational-health patients (doi:10.2519/josptopen.2025.0135).
Getting people to the right treatment
Our assessment decides what is needed. We then open the quickest route to it, three ways.
Support and expedite NHS care
A clinical summary and recommendations that support the NHS route.
Arrange private physiotherapy
Where physiotherapy is the answer, we arrange it through our HCPC-registered network, delivered by qualified, accredited practitioners.
Signpost specialist treatment
Where specialist assessment, imaging or treatment is needed, we point the way and help the employee get there.
MSK FAQs
Answers to the questions HR and managers ask most.
We offer an occupational health assessment within 5 working days, in person, by video or by phone. Early assessment matters: the sooner we identify what is needed and treatment starts, the faster the recovery.
It starts with an assessment by an occupational health clinician. Where treatment is needed, we arrange physiotherapy through our HCPC-registered network, support and expedite NHS care, or signpost specialist treatment.
Yes, if that suits the person. We generally prefer an in-person or video assessment, as it lets the clinician carry out a physical examination and assess range of movement. Either way, every assessment is carried out by an occupational health clinician.
Both, equally. The assessment is tailored to the demands of the role.
We recommend equipment and adjustments; we do not supply them.
An ergonomic or DSE assessment prevents problems by getting the workstation and tasks right. MSK support assesses and helps resolve a problem that is already there. The two work well together.
No. Employers can refer directly.
Related services
MSK support often works alongside these:
Ergonomic & DSE assessments
Preventing the desk-related problems that MSK support treats.
Learn more →Absence management
Where MSK problems are driving sickness absence.
Learn more →Management referrals
Independent advice on fitness and reasonable adjustments.
Learn more →This page is general information for employers and is not individual medical or legal advice.
Arrange an MSK assessment
Talk to us about independent MSK assessment and the treatment routes we can open. We answer enquiries within 3 working hours.