Just over half of patients waiting for musculoskeletal health services such as physiotherapy have been seen within the target time.

New figures show 54per cent of the 73,907 people referred for physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropody/podiatry or orthotics during the final quarter of 2016 were seen within four weeks.

The figure is an increase compared to the previous quarter when 52.5per cent of patients were seen within time but well below the Scottish Government target of 90per cent.

A total of nine out of ten patients were seen within 18 weeks.

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "It is unacceptable that thousands are having to wait far longer than expected for the treatment they need.

"This will undoubtedly be having an impact upon the quality of life of people with complaints and diseases in their joints, bones and muscles.

"It is clear that staff don't currently have the support and resources they need to meet the target set by the Scottish Government.

"Ministers need to immediately set out what action they will take in order to turn this situation around."

Scottish Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: "The SNP government should be running our NHS, not obsessing about a second divisive referendum campaign.

"Over 130,000 Scots waited too long in 2016 for key treatments like physiotherapy. That's almost half of all patents. It is a scandalous record.

"Waiting longer for vital treatment like physiotherapy can set back recovery for patients or worsen their condition, making it all the more likely they will end up having to go to hospitals and A&E wards that are already under pressure."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "While these latest figures show musculoskeletal waiting times have improved, with a majority of patients seen within four weeks, we recognise there is still more to do.

"That is why we are working closely with health boards to drive continued improvements in delivery of these important services - including sharing best practice, better management of resources and reducing non-attendance by patients with appointments.

"Meanwhile, we're investing £3 million in the Active and Independent Living Improvement Programme to enable more people to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities."