Musculoskeletal — often shortened to MSK — refers to the whole system of muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and the nerves that supply them. UK healthcare 'MSK services' cover physiotherapy triage, sports injuries, back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis, and are usually the first stop before rheumatology or orthopaedics. Many areas of England let patients self-refer to an MSK physio without seeing a GP first.
What is musculoskeletal (msk)?
Musculoskeletal (MSK): 'Musculoskeletal' means anything involving muscles, bones, joints, tendons or ligaments. MSK conditions are the leading cause of work absence and disability in the UK, affecting around 20 million people. Most GP visits for back pain, joint pain and sports injuries are MSK.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.