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When shoulder impingement pain needs a specialistStructured physiotherapy resolves shoulder impingement pain in 60–90% of cases. Specialist referral is warranted if pain persists after three months of treatment, or sooner if it disturbs sleep or restricts overhead arm movement.Structured physiotherapy resolves shoulder impingement pain in 60–90% of cases. Specialist referral is warranted if pain persists after three months of treatment, or sooner if it disturbs sleep or restricts overhead arm movement.
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Hip osteoarthritis treatment before replacement surgeryUK clinical guidance requires documented completion of conservative care — physiotherapy, weight management, analgesia — before accepting a total hip replacement referral. Surgical timing is determined by functional impact, not imaging severity.UK clinical guidance requires documented completion of conservative care — physiotherapy, weight management, analgesia — before accepting a total hip replacement referral. Surgical timing is determined by functional impact, not imaging severity.
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Which specialist to see for a meniscus tearFor degenerative meniscus tears, recent evidence shows surgery offers no advantage over physiotherapy; for traumatic tears without mechanical instability, six months of conservative management must precede any orthopaedic referral. Urgent specialist assessment is reserved for locked knees, acute injuries in younger patients within three to eight weeks of injury, and…For degenerative meniscus tears, recent evidence shows surgery offers no advantage over physiotherapy; for traumatic tears without mechanical instability, six months of conservative management must precede any orthopaedic referral. Urgent specialist assessment is reserved for locked knees, acute injuries in younger patients within three to eight weeks of injury, and persistent mechanical symptoms.
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Choosing a specialist for supraspinatus tendinopathyMost UK patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy can self-refer directly to a specialist MSK physiotherapist without a GP appointment; the first appointment is a clinical assessment identifying factors maintaining tendon irritation rather than simply an exercise handout.Most UK patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy can self-refer directly to a specialist MSK physiotherapist without a GP appointment; the first appointment is a clinical assessment identifying factors maintaining tendon irritation rather than simply an exercise handout.
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Early signs your hip may need a replacementHip replacement is determined by quality-of-life impact—how much the joint restricts sleep, movement, and daily function—rather than by age or imaging; it sits at the end of a care pathway, reached only after conservative measures fail.Hip replacement is determined by quality-of-life impact—how much the joint restricts sleep, movement, and daily function—rather than by age or imaging; it sits at the end of a care pathway, reached only after conservative measures fail.
