Keele University experts have developed a clear guide for the public on the latest physiotherapy research about the treatment of people with muscle, bone and joint pain. 

Members of Keele University’s School of Medicine have worked with its patient and public group, and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, to develop the clear guide.   

Working within Keele’s Impact Accelerator Unit, the group reviewed 10 years’ worth of research from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Review of Musculoskeletal Therapies and turned it into one easy-to-read guide to give a clear direction to patients, the public, healthcare professionals, researchers and musculoskeletal services.  

Laura Campbell, Impact Accelerator Unit Knowledge Broker, said: “Our patient partners told us that research evidence is sometimes not communicated to the public in easy-to-understand language and formats, yet we know this information would be useful for patients to understand their care.”  

The group developed the guide, called Moving Forward, with the NIHR Centre for Engagement and Dissemination. It focusses on adult care and covers seeking help for musculoskeletal problems through to treatments at hospital or in a community clinic. It also covers advice which will support people to manage their musculoskeletal health at home and work.    

The guide is part of a larger Moving Forward project which aims to drive quality of musculoskeletal care in the North West Midlands.   

Kay Stevenson, Consultant Physiotherapist and Senior Knowledge Mobilisation Fellow, added: “The Moving Forward work has given us a fantastic opportunity to meet together with patients, clinicians, commissioners of healthcare services and researchers to ensure care for those with muscle and joint problems is based on the very best research evidence. As muscle and joint problems are so common, this is a very high priority both in Staffordshire and across the UK.”   

The guide and further information are now available on the Keele website.