When a person suffers from conditions such as back pain, sciatica due to a slipped disc or hip and knee disorders, it can sometimes take a while for recovery.

There is a wide variety of available treatments ranging from conventional physiotherapy to shiatsu and reiki healing.

The Wilbury Orthopaedic Centre in Hove has established a unique set-up where orthopaedic surgeons, an orthopaedic/spinal physician and seven chartered physiotherapists work in one building.

The centre provides patients with the opportunity to gain rapid assessment and an in-house referral to the appropriate team member for treatment.

Patients generally turn up with musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, frozen shoulder or tennis elbow. Other problems include arthritis and repetitive strain injury and experts can also provide ergonomic advice.

Treatments can include injections, blood tests, X-rays and even MRI scans, if necessary.

Dr Usamah Jannoun has recently joined the centre.

He said: "People either make their own appointment or they are referred by their GP.

"Whatever happens, we always make sure the patient's doctor gets a full report and record of any treatment."

Patients seen for the first time are diagnosed as quickly as possible and treated by a doctor or referred to a physiotherapist or orthopaedic surgeon.

Rehabilitation is also managed at the clinic.

Another special feature of the clinic is the osteoporosis assessment available to all women wishing bone density screening.

The service is supported by the National Osteoporosis Society which calls for women to be tested as early as possible so the condition can be picked up quickly.

There is no cure for osteoporosis but, if caught early enough, the progress of the condition can be stopped.

One in three women and one in 12 men past the age of 50 will have osteoporosis. In the UK, an estimated three million people suffer from the condition.

Every three minutes, someone sustains a fracture due to osteoporosis. Each year, this amounts to more than 70,000 hip fractures, 50,000 wrist fractures and 40,000 spinal fractures.

Dr Jannoun said: "This is a very important part of the practice and there is a high level of demand for it."

The physiotherapists at the clinic are all experienced in treating musculoskeletal conditions and orthopaedic problems and undertake ongoing training of at least 25 hours a year.

Each has a sub-speciality training to offer: One of the physiotherapists specialises in the treatment of children for conditions such as juvenile arthritis.

In addition to everyday injuries and fractures, most bone, muscle and joint problems in children fall into two broad categories:

Problems that are present at birth and those associated with changes during the growth spurt of puberty.

Early treatment of most of these conditions improves the likelihood of recovery and reduces the risk of complications.

Children may be affected by the same types of arthritis as adults but juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) is found only in children. In the UK, about one child in 1,000 is affected.

The condition is the result of an abnormal response of the body's immune system, leading to inflammation, swelling and pain in the lining of an affected joint.

Although the cause is not known, JCA sometimes runs in families, which suggests a genetic factor may be involved.

In mild cases, the child is still able to carry out normal activities. In severe cases, there may be joint deformities and reduced mobility.

A further specialist physiotherapist manages womens' health, especially treating stress incontinence in the young and elderly.

Other therapists working at the clinic include a podiatrist, psychotherapist, reflexologist, counsellor, Pilates instructor, shiatsu masseur, reiki practitioner, homeopath, aromatherapist and occupational therapist.

For more details, call 01273 206206.