Musculoskeletal pain medicine is founded on basic sciences pertaining to the anatomy, histology, biochemistry, and physiology of the musculoskeletal system of the body. It extends to the clinical assessment and investigation, and subsequent management of musculoskeletal complaints. Its educational base draws on major textbooks and contemporary review papers on basic sciences, on systematic reviews and evidence-based guidelines concerning management. The syllabus of the Faculty is exhaustively referenced to the key literature in each of these domains.
The specialty is defined more by the nature of services required by these patients, and provided by Fellows in Musculoskeletal Medicine. These include the aptitude to deal with patients with distressing and difficult conditions and circumstances; regularly providing prolonged consultations and follow-up; in addition to assessment, providing explanation, assurance, and support during what can be prolonged periods of recovery. It also involves treatment strategies such as manual techniques and injection therapy if appropriate.
