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Understanding the difference: MSK vs neurological physiotherapy

3 mins

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What is the difference between neuro and musculoskeletal physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is a diverse profession, with specialists working across a wide range of conditions. Two key branches—musculoskeletal (MSK) and neurological physiotherapy—serve very different purposes, each requiring distinct expertise, approaches, and goals.

What is the difference?


What conditions does an MSK physiotherapist treat?

MSK physiotherapy deals with injuries and disorders affecting the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It’s commonly used for conditions like back pain, sports injuries, post-operative recovery, arthritis, and repetitive strain injuries. MSK therapists focus on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving strength and flexibility. Treatment often includes manual therapy, exercise prescription, soft tissue techniques, and biomechanical assessments.

In contrast, neurological physiotherapy supports individuals with conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous system—such as stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injury. These conditions can impact movement, balance, coordination, sensation, and cognition. Neurological physiotherapists use specialist techniques like neuroplasticity-based rehab, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), gait re-education, and complex postural management to help clients regain independence and improve quality of life.

While MSK rehab often follows a more predictable recovery path, neurological rehab is typically longer-term and highly individualised. It requires a deep understanding of how the brain and body interact, and a compassionate, patient-centred approach.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. At Physio Matters, our MSK team supports clients of all ages to recover from injury, manage pain, and improve movement and function.

Common conditions treated by MSK physiotherapists include:

  • Back and neck pain – including disc issues, sciatica, and postural strain
  • Joint problems – such as arthritis, bursitis, and joint hypermobility
  • Sports injuries – including ligament sprains, muscle strains, and tendonitis
  • Post-operative rehabilitation – following joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, or spinal surgery
  • Repetitive strain injuries – like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow
  • Fractures and trauma – helping restore strength and mobility after bone injuries
  • Biomechanical issues – including poor alignment, gait abnormalities, and muscle imbalances

Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, taping, dry needling, and advice on posture and movement. Our MSK physiotherapists also work closely with other members of the Physio Matters team to ensure holistic care, especially when neurological or complex rehabilitation needs are present.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing a long-term condition, or aiming to improve physical performance, our MSK specialists are here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live well.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) physiotherapists specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. At Physio Matters, our MSK team supports clients of all ages to recover from injury, manage pain, and improve movement and function.

Need more help?

If you are uncertain whether musculoskeletal or neurological physiotherapy is most appropriate for your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us — our team will be happy to advise on how we can help you.

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“I have worked with Physio Matters for many years, and a number of my seriously injured clients have benefited from their expertise and support.

What consistently stands out is their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and genuine commitment to improving outcomes for the people they work with.   Under Colin’s leadership, Physio Matters has built an exceptional, close-knit team whose passion, clinical expertise, and client-focused approach are evident in everything they do.”

Richard Biggs, Partner,
Irwin Mitchell


“Over the past 16 years, I have consistently referred clients to Physio Matters and have always been impressed by the exceptional quality of care they provide. Their approach is genuinely client-focused, combining compassion and professionalism with outstanding clinical expertise. They work collaboratively with clients, families and professionals to achieve meaningful outcomes, and I trust them implicitly to deliver high-quality rehabilitation. I would not hesitate to recommend their services.”

Sophie Benko-Jones, Director,
Beacon Case Management

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Colin Green for many years.   It’s been no surprise to me that Physio Matters has grown and expanded into new premises under Colin’s watch, because they’ve always embraced emerging clinical technologies whilst offering first class client care, bespoke treatment and a down to earth approach.   Many of my clients have been able to progress and fulfil their rehabilitation potential thanks to the efforts of Colin and his team.  I would have no hesitation in recommending them and indeed regularly do so.”

Matt Brown, National Head of Serious Injury,
Hudgell Solicitors


I have had the pleasure of working with Physio Matters and have really valued the positive and collaborative professional relationship we have developed.

Communication is always excellent, and I have found Colin and the wider Physio Matters team responsive, approachable, and willing to work collaboratively to find solutions when challenges arise. I have complete confidence in the quality of Colin’s clinical input and would have no hesitation in recommending him and Physio Matters to anyone looking for specialist, high-quality physiotherapy and rehabilitation support.

It has been a pleasure working alongside Colin and the Physio Matters team, and I look forward to continuing our professional relationship.

Natasha Wilde, Director & Case Manager
Inclusive Case Management


I have worked with Physio Matters over a number of years with clients with life changing injuries who can struggle with initiating and maintaining activities to achieve the goals they wish to accomplish, whether that means increasing activity tolerance to challenge fatigue, or more targeted therapy based around specific deficits.  What sets Physio Matters apart is the way that they encompass the client’s fitness and movement goals into everyday activities in a way that is engaging and motivating for that client, rather than a one size fits all approach.  Sometimes this has meant walking set distances through the Trafford Centre or around a lake, and sometimes it has been adapted skiing, boxing lessons at home exercises, racket sports or swimming. 

Physio Matters adopt an imaginative and flexible approach so that even clients who are resistant to exercise become engaged in finding something enjoyable and productive that produces results for them

Garry Herbert
Partner, HCC Solicitors


Physio Matters provide skilled Physiotherapists who are valued members of interdisciplinary teams.  Colin Green is a visionary in his field, with a high level of expertise and understanding.

Anastasia shows genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for clients.  She is warm, friendly, knowledgeable and always ambitious for her clients; Anastasia does not settle for ‘good enough’ when there is more that could be done.

Louise Wolsey
Director, Active Case Management


We have had the pleasure of working with the Physio Matters Team for over 15 years. They provide consistently high-quality neurophysiotherapy to the brain injury clients we work with. Their practice is client-centred and very valued by clients, families and professionals alike. They are very open to psychological ideas and practices- which is great news for us! Physio Matters are always innovative and aim to come up with creative ways to weave their work into the activities that mean the most to clients.

Physio Matters can be found in the places you would expect- clinic and the community However, you are more likely to find them working with clients on a golf range, the ski slope or walking in a country park! It’s always reassuring to find out Physio Matters are involved when we start working on a case and we would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to work with you or your client.”

Dr Gavin Newby
Director, Newby Pscyhological Services

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Get in touch to discuss your rehabilitation needs

Physio Matters is here to support your enquiry by phone during normal business hours or via email or contact form anytime. Whether you’re seeking expert advice or wish to arrange an appointment, our friendly team is ready to help.

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