What to Know About Musculoskeletal Pain Treatment

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is something many of us know all too well — and it can be incredibly frustrating. It’s that dull ache in your lower back after a long day at your desk, the stiffness in your knees when you go for a morning walk, or that sharp jolt of pain that shoots down your leg when you bend over. Whether it happens because of injury, hormonal changes like in menopause, or just the natural wear and tear of daily life, MSK pain can slowly wear away at your comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

But you don’t have to just live with it. MSK pain treatment has come a long way, moving beyond outdated methods like pain medications and surgery. Thanks to ongoing research, we now have a much clearer understanding of what really works. 

Whether you're dealing with joint pain, annoying pelvic discomfort, or muscle tension that just won’t let up, we want you to know that there are plenty of effective treatment options — including physical therapy — that can make a real difference in how you feel.

What is musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal pain is pain that affects your muscles, bones, joints, and all of the tissues that connect them. It can happen suddenly (like with a sprain or fracture) or it can develop slowly over time (like with arthritis or back pain). MSK pain is very common and can make it hard to move around, do daily activities, or work.

Musculoskeletal pain can affect you at any age — from kids with growth-related issues to older adults with conditions like osteoporosis or joint “wear and tear.” And it can show up in one spot, like your knee or shoulder, or affect your entire body, like with fibromyalgia.

Types of musculoskeletal pain

There are more than 150 different conditions that fall under the category of MSK pain, but here are some general types:

• Joint problems (like osteoarthritis or bursitis)
• Bone conditions (like fractures or osteoporosis)
• Muscle issues (like weakness, overuse, strain)
• Inflammatory diseases (like scleroderma or lupus)
• Tendon or ligament pain (like tendonitis or sprains)
• Nerve-related pain (like sciatica or carpal tunnel)
  
  

Because MSK pain affects your movement and function, it’s one of the biggest reasons people around the world need rehabilitation.

MSK pain treatment: Evidence-based and patient-centered

Musculoskeletal pain can be challenging to treat — mainly because it's not just about a physical injury. MSK pain is influenced by your thoughts, emotions, and social factors too. In the past, MSK pain treatment was dominated by ineffective, passive treatments like massage, medication, and surgery. These approaches fail to address the complex root causes of MSK pain and disability though. 

Newer research emphasizes multidisciplinary care that blends physical therapy, education, behavior change, and,in certain cases, medications or surgery.

Here is what research is showing are the most effective ways to treat your musculoskeletal pain:

Physical therapy (PT)

Physical therapy (PT) is not just a series of stretches — it’s a clinically-guided, personalized plan designed to restore mobility, strength, neuromuscular control, and confidence. It’s based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Studies show PT is effective across a wide range of MSK conditions, including but by no means limited to back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

For pelvic MSK pain in particular, pelvic floor physical therapy is the primary recommended treatment — especially for those dealing with urinary incontinence, postpartum pain or prolapse symptoms.

Exercise

Regular, structured movement helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and build resilience. A tailored exercise program can improve outcomes in most MSK conditions, and consistency is key. The best exercise can depend on your specific MSK condition, but in general, exercise that focuses on strength, cardio, mobility, and flexibility are key.

Education and self-management

This is one of the most important aspects of every MSK pain treatment. Research shows that getting a better understanding of your condition is essential for healing. Education reduces fear-avoidance behaviors (“If I move, I’ll make it worse”) and empowers you to engage in daily activities with confidence, while also giving you the tools to manage pain when it pops up. It’s also shown to help chronic MSK pain more than passive treatments like rest or hot packs.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy techniques like massage or joint mobilization may be helpful for some in the short term. But they work best when combined with active therapies — not as the only line of defense.

Medication and injections

Pain-relieving medication , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid injections may be helpful in certain situations, especially when pain interferes with your function. But they’re not a long-term fix and should complement — not replace — movement-based therapies.

Psychological support

Pain isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, too. Research shows that psychotherapy has an important role in calming pain and supporting the mental health of those with MSK pain. While more research is needed to better define the best type of psychotherapy for this type of pain, it’s likely most effective when combined with physical therapy treatment. 

MSK syndrome of menopause

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain can happen at any age, but it often ramps up during menopause. In fact, around 70% of women experience MSK syndrome of menopause — a term for the joint pain, muscle weakness, and bone loss that can occur when estrogen drops. 

Estrogen helps protect your bones and joints, so when levels fall, inflammation and bone loss can increase, raising your risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Low estrogen is also linked to increased rates of muscle and joint pain and impaired muscle regeneration. 

It’s important to know this is common and treatable. Options include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weight-bearing exercises, and getting enough calcium and vitamin D. 

Research shows estrogen decline affects collagen, leading to joint instability and MSK pain. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may provide some relief, but so can strategies like strength training, stretching, and pelvic floor therapy.

Musculoskeletal pelvic pain: How long can it last?

The duration of musculoskeletal pelvic pain in women varies depending on the cause — for example: postpartum recovery, endometriosis, menopause, or chronic pelvic floor pain. 

Acute injuries (like recovering from a vaginal delivery, or an ankle sprain) often improve within a few weeks with appropriate treatment. But chronic conditions (like endometriosis, low back pain, or chronic pelvic pain) can last months to years, can fluctuate in severity, and may require long-term management.

Early intervention with physical therapy can significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications. 

When should you get help?

If your MSK pain:

• Persists for more than a few weeks
• Wakes you at night
• Limits your ability to move or perform daily tasks
• Comes with unexplained weight loss, fever, or swelling

…it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention is often the key to preventing your symptoms from sticking around, worsening, or becoming chronic.

Find MSK pain relief with physical therapy today

Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just impact your body — it can drain your energy, disrupt your sleep, affect your mood, and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to navigate it alone — and you definitely don’t have to “just deal with it.”

Evidence shows that real healing comes from movement, education, and compassionate, expert care. With the right support, you can regain strength, confidence, and control over your daily life.

At Origin Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based, personalized care — whether you're managing pelvic pain, postpartum symptoms, or everyday aches that just won’t quit. Book your appointment today — we're here to listen, support, and guide you every step of the way.