Musculoskeletal Assessment & Triage Service (MATS)

Physiotherapist demonstrating elbow excercises to patient with elbow pain.

What is the Norfolk and Waveney Musculoskeletal Assessment & Triage Service (MATS)?

The service is an integral part of the secondary care musculoskeletal (MSK) pathways for Orthopaedics; Pain Management and Rheumatology to ensure that people get the right treatment as soon as possible. It is run by Enhanced Scope and Specialist Physiotherapists, providing a full Musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment and advice on the most appropriate pathway for your condition.

Why might I be referred to the service?

Most MSK conditions (affecting bones; joints and soft tissues) can be diagnosed and treated by your GP. However, your GP has decided you may need a more specialised assessment. The MATS service will assess you in the first instance to ensure you are managed on the most appropriate pathway.

What are the advantages of the service?

This service makes sure you are seen by the right person for your condition as quickly as possible. It offers access to a range of suitable treatments and options for your care, working closely with Specialist hospital services such as Orthopaedics, Pain Management and Rheumatology. It also links in with more localised treatment options such as physiotherapy, hand therapy, and biomechanics. It treats you as a person and makes sure you are involved in all your treatment decisions. The service will work with you to achieve the best outcomes for you.

If I’ve been referred to MATS, what happens at my appointment?

You will be invited to book an appointment with the service at a range of sites with availability. To prevent any delay to your care pathway it is imperative you attend an appointment offered, and if you are unable to accept any of the options available you may then be offered a virtual assessment over the telephone.

An experienced professional will fully assess your condition. This will include finding out about the effect your condition is having on your life and your aims. If necessary, you will be referred for additional tests.

Many MSK conditions will not need an operation. The MATS team may offer guidance on self-management to help you manage your condition yourself.

Other options may include:

  • An onward referral to Physiotherapy.
  • An onward referral to Hand therapy.
  • An onward referral to Biomechanics.
  • A pain management group session referral.
  • Injection therapy – Although the decision to proceed will depend on the outcome of your assessment and having fully discussed the risks and benefits. This may not be possible on your first appointment
  • Onwards referral to a consultant in Pain Management, Rheumatology or Orthopaedics.

If you need to be referred to a hospital consultant, the team will arrange this for you at the time of your appointment. Your referral will then be sent to a consultant at your chosen hospital.

Following assessment and/or treatment, we will write to your GP with full information about your care. You will also be given advice, where relevant, on how to deal with your condition in the future.

If I have an appointment with MATS, what shall I wear and bring to my appointment?

At your appointment you may be examined so we recommend that you wear loose fitting clothing.