MSK physiotherapy service standards 

CSP publishes new UK-wide Musculoskeletal physiotherapy service standards

In January 2022 a new set of Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapy service standards were launched by the CSP. The standards focus on the delivery of physiotherapy for any services managing MSK conditions within any part of the MSK pathway in the UK. They are applicable in any setting, for adults of 16 years and over, requiring physiotherapy for a MSK condition, their families and carers, and across multidisciplinary integrated care.  

The eight standards and accompanying quality measures are intended as a tool for services to demonstrate the value of MSK physiotherapy services as part of the whole MSK pathway, with the aim to drive continuous quality improvement.  

The MSK service standards have been developed for the following key audiences:  

  • Physiotherapy service providers and the physiotherapy workforce 
  • People with MSK conditions and the public 
  • Commissioners, health boards and provider collaboratives 

As part of the published standards, there will be a plain-English version for patients, a Welsh version, top tips for implementation, examples in practice and an Audit Tool. The Audit Tool, which includes the quality measures are intended as an aid for services to examine the quality of their service and support the implementation of the CSP’s standards within current practice.

The lead author of the standards, Dr Annette Bishop, said, “I hope services will use them as a tool to demonstrate the value of MSK physiotherapy as well as for identifying areas for quality improvement. I also hope patients and the public will have a greater understanding of what constitutes quality MSK physiotherapy.” 

For access to the Standards please visit the MSK standards webpage.