Question 1

When should I see an MSK Doctor?

Accepted Answer

We are specialists in the diagnosis and pain management of conditions (stiffness, instability, numbness,  sciatica pain or weakness) affecting the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves).

When you have musculoskeletal pain or other problems such as:
 • Chronic headaches arising from neck, including whiplash
 • Chronic pain that has been difficult to diagnose and treat in the past 
 • Sports, Accidents, Work or motor vehicle related injuries 
 • Neck, Back, Hip and pelvic pain, including sciatica pain 
 • Upper and lower limb pain 
 
This is usually decided alongside your GP or primary health provider. We also work closely with Orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths who also may request our opinion for further medical treatments.

Feel free to bring a support person especially for your first actually treatment procedure.  A female chaperone is available as well if required.

Question 2

How do I get an appointment with you?

Accepted Answer

Your health practitioner will need to provide a detailed referral, with any imaging to date based on your full medical history, known allergies and current medication.

This can be your GP, surgeon, medical specialist, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath. Once you referral has been emailed to office@msk-institute.co.nz,(mailto:office@msk-institute.co.nz) our doctors will then triage your referral and our receptionists will call you to make the appointment booking.

Please indicate on your referral if your problem is covered by ACC, health insurance or privately funded, as ACC and some private health insurers will require it to be stated on the referral before they will fund your consultations and treatments.

We currently have locations in Albany and Takapuna.

Question 3

How many appointments will I need?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the complexity of your problem and what treatment is performed. Typically we will see you at least three times, first an initial consultation to assess your problem, make a treatment plan and then follow it up with two sub-sequential treatment procedures.
 
These three appointments can be made when you first register with us and then further appointments booked as required.

Your initial consultation may include a diagnostic ultrasound examination and/or MRI/Xrays to complete a comprehensive history and physical examination.

Further treatments will range from simple advice and medications, or a range of further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, like injections and radio-frequency ablations.

Question 4

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Fees will vary depending on how simple or complex your medical issue is, and what treatment is required.  We will advise you of our fees for your particular assessment and treatment plan after your initial consultation.

Please be aware that a deposit may be required at the time of consultation.

Question 5

What will ACC cover for my treatment?

Accepted Answer

ACC will cover the cost of your initial consultation if your medical professional has made a claim with ACC for your specific body condition that has been accepted.  You should then receive a ACC45 number to supply on your medical referral.

ACC will also cover some additional treatments but not all.  Some of the MSK treatments will require a pre-approval application for funding to be completed by your specialist prior to your treatment.

It is extremely important to note that if ACC declines your application, you will be liable for the consultation and treatment costs including any imaging that is required like MRI, CT and Xrays.

Question 6

Will private health insurance cover the cost of treatment with you?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your policy type, will determine as to how much funding will be  provided to cover your initial consultations and MSK procedures.

We are affiliated provider with Southern Cross so can invoice Southern Cross directly.   Other health insurers, you will need to check your policy details to understand what is fully and/or partially covered accordingly.  You may have to pay at the time of your consultation / treatment and claim this back from your insurance company.

If your are self funding your consultation and treatment, we will advise your of the costs beforehand and again, please be aware that payment may be required at the time of the consultation.

Question 7

How long do I have to wait to see you?

Accepted Answer

We will schedule accordingly as we realise that there is an unavoidable wait for appointments due to various reasons, include some that are out of our control.

If your problem is medically urgent, you should contact your referring Health Professional in the first instance and get them to call our receptionist to discuss.

Please be sure to call us if you were seen by any other specialist so that we can cancel your referral and/or appointment accordingly.

Question 8

What non-surgical procedures can help my neck or back pain?

Accepted Answer

The MSK Institute is a member of the Spinal Intervention Society and performs minimally-invasive procedures for chronic neck and back pain. These are done in a radiology department to ensure maximum safety and accuraciy.
 
Types of procedures include nerve injections, disc injections, facet joint injections, epidurals, sacroiliac joint injections and facet joint rhizolysis.

Question 9

What is PRP and how will it help my pain?

Accepted Answer

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. If done correctly using the proper technique, in the right patient, for the right reason then it has excellent results. It works by taking the healing cells from your blood, and injecting them into the site of injury or pain. The Platelet cells gather and activate growth factors to stimulate healing and regeneration. 
Joints and tendons dont get as much blood-supply as other organs in our body so using PRP short-cuts that step. We have trained radiologists on-site to ensure accuracy and safety
For more information click here:  www.ultrasight.co.nz

Question 10

What's the difference between a steroid injection and a PRP injection?

Accepted Answer

PRP aims to try treat and heal the underlying damage using a regenerative approach. It may take longer to work but the benefits can also be longer. It is your own cells taken from your blood so has less risk of an allergy or an infection.
Cortisone or steroid injection aims to reduce the pain and swelling associated with the damage. It works quickly being a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever and can help in the rehabilitation process to get our patients moving free from pain.

Question 11

What is the difference between an MSK Specialist and a Physiotherapist?

Accepted Answer

MSK Specialists/Physicians are doctors who've graduated medical school and then meet strict criteria to be registered as a MSK specialist with the Medical Council of New Zealand that have the qualification of FNZCMM (Fellow of the New Zealand College of Musculoskeletal Medicine).

They diagnose Musculoskeletal issues by consultation and then ordering relevant investigations such as blood tests, nerve studies and high tech imaging like MRI and CT's.

We have a large range of treatment options available to us in addition to Physical therapy.

We will often work with your physiotherapist to customise physical therapy to your problem.

Question 12

What's the difference between an MSK Physician and a Sports Doctor?

Accepted Answer

MSK Physicians treat all patients for any Musculoskeletal problem. We have looked after Olympic athletes, elderley retirees and everything in between.
At the MSK Institute we treat the entire patient and not just the problem area. We have a broad approach that covers sports related injury and performance but also issues such as chronic pain, arthritis, stiffness and nerve damage.

Question 13

How many PRP injections and spacings are typical?

Accepted Answer

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections are typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with most patients requiring 1-3 injections. The exact number and spacing depend on the individual's condition and response to treatment. For some conditions, like knee osteoarthritis, injections might be given a week apart for a total of 3 sessions. 
General Guidelines for PRP Injection Spacing:

• Most patients: 1-3 injections, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. 
 • Knee osteoarthritis: 3 injections, potentially spaced a week apart. 
 • Tendons, muscles, and ligaments: Up to 3 injections, spaced 2 weeks apart. 
 • Hair restoration: 4-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Factors Influencing Injection Spacing:

• Condition being treated: Different conditions may require different injection schedules. 
 • Individual response: Some individuals may respond quickly, requiring fewer injections. 
 • Doctor's recommendation: The treating physician will determine the optimal schedule based on the patient's specific needs.

Important Considerations:

• Physical therapy:(https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&cs=0&sca_esv=fa64ab6201cb415c&q=Physical+therapy&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjmm-vpp_qOAxXpTWwGHcx9HZsQxccNegQIRhAB&mstk=AUtExfC5pdFwXIFjRnB7TudAT2J7X-KIbSuJU4MNGVSAgjBvLpc0eoobBQfSAZQh2XZRW5evMw7UDw7sUTo-gV-gR77ize20xAXmjn9Q6XAvK0cy1d9s5Vo-A6cw1pLpGBqgvCljdyBmWvmxKJiqxzBWfA0VjaFFkOusv_9OTdsaSfdiIHs&csui=3) Physiotherapy is often recommended between and after PRP injections to maximize benefits. 
 • Follow-up: Improvement can be gradual and may continue for up to 12 months. 
 • Repeat treatments: PRP treatments can be repeated after 6-12 months, if necessary.

Question 14

How many Steroid injections and spacings are typical?

Accepted Answer

Steroid injections, specifically corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and pain. They are often given for conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. While effective for short-term relief, they are not recommended for frequent or repeated use in the same area due to potential tissue damage. Generally, injections are spaced at least 3 months apart and limited to a few per year, with a maximum of 3-4 per year often recommended. 
Frequency and Timing:

• Recommended Spacing: At least 3 months between injections in the same area. 
 • Annual Limit: Most providers advise limiting injections to 3-4 per year. 
 • Individualized Approach: The specific frequency depends on the individual's condition and response to treatment.

Potential Risks and Side Effects:

• Tissue Damage: Repeated injections can weaken tendons and ligaments, potentially leading to long-term damage. 
 • Bone Weakening: Excessive injections can contribute to osteoporosis. 
 • Other Side Effects: Insomnia, flushing, and temporary blood sugar elevation in diabetics are also possible, says HSS.

When to Consider Alternatives:

• Diminishing Returns:
If pain relief is not sustained or side effects become problematic, surgery or other treatments may be considered. 
 • Rehabilitation:
Injections are often used in conjunction with other therapies like physiotherapy to address the underlying cause of the pain.

Important Considerations:

• Consult with a Doctor:
Discuss your specific situation and any concerns you have with your healthcare provider.
 • Follow Instructions:
Adhere to your doctor's recommendations regarding injection frequency and post-injection care.

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