Our Physiotherapy Services
Conditions & Injuries We Treat
MUSCULOSKELETAL & SPORTS CONDITIONS/INJURIES
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What are muscle tears & injuries?
Muscle strains and tears are common occurrences that can result from a variety of factors, including sports activities, overuse, accidents, or sudden, forceful movements. When it comes to muscle injuries, one of the most common types is muscle strain. A strain occurs when muscle fibres stretch or tear, often due to excessive force or overextension. This can happen during activities such as lifting heavy weights or making rapid, uncontrolled movements. Symptoms of muscle tears typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced range of motion. You might notice that the affected area may feel tender to the touch, and in severe cases, there might be a visible deformity or bulging of the muscle.
How can physiotherapy help?
In physiotherapy, treatment for muscle injuries is tailored to the severity of the tear. Early management aims to reduce pain and swelling (if any) due to inflammation. As healing progresses, physiotherapists introduce gentle stretching, manual therapy, and progressive strengthening exercises to restore flexibility, rebuild muscle strength, and prevent re-injury. Education on proper movement and load management is also key to safe recovery. The goal is to promote optimal healing, restore full function, and support a safe return to daily or sports activities.
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What are cartilage injuries?
Cartilage injuries refer to damage or tears to the cartilage—the smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints, helping them move smoothly and absorb shock. In physiotherapy, cartilage injuries most commonly involve articular cartilage in joints like the knee, shoulder, or ankle. These injuries can result from trauma (such as a sudden twist or impact), repetitive wear and tear, or degeneration over time. Symptoms often include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes a catching or locking sensation during movement.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy treatment for cartilage injuries focuses on managing pain and inflammation, restoring joint mobility, and strengthening the muscles around the affected joint to improve stability and function. Therapists use a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on activity modification to protect the joint while promoting healing. In some cases, physiotherapy also helps prepare patients for or support recovery after surgical interventions. The goal is to enhance joint function, reduce discomfort, and help patients return to their daily activities or sports safely.
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What are ligament sprains & tears?
Ligament sprains and tears are common injuries treated in physiotherapy, involving overstretching (sprain) or partial to complete tearing of the ligaments—strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilise joints. These injuries often occur due to sudden twists, falls, or impacts that force a joint beyond its normal range of motion. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, joint instability, and limited movement. The severity can range from mild sprains with stretched ligaments to severe tears requiring surgical intervention.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process by managing pain and inflammation initially, followed by restoring joint mobility through gentle exercises and manual therapy. Strengthening the muscles around the injured joint is key to regaining stability and preventing future injuries. Therapists also focus on balance and coordination training to improve joint awareness. The overall aim is to promote healing, restore function, and enable a safe return to daily activities or sports.
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What is rotator cuff tendinitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis is a common condition that affects the tendons of the rotator cuff in the shoulder. This condition involves inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of the tendons, leading to pain and discomfort. Causes of rotator cuff tendinitis often include overuse or repetitive motions of the shoulder, particularly in activities that involve overhead movements. Ageing and natural wear and tear on the tendons can also contribute to the development of tendinopathy.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, restoring shoulder mobility, and improving strength and posture. Therapists may use manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, shoulder stability training, and postural correction to offload the irritated tendons. Activity modification and ergonomic advice are also important to prevent further aggravation. The goal is to promote tendon healing, restore full shoulder function, and help patients return to pain-free daily or sporting activities.
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What are tennis & golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow, is characterised by pain on the outer side of the elbow. This pain results from overuse or repetitive strain on the extensor muscles of the forearm, leading to small tears in the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle. Some symptoms include pain during gripping or wrist movements and weakness in grip strength. On the other hand, Golfer’s elbow manifests as pain on the inner side of the elbow. This condition is attributed to overuse of the forearm flexor muscles, resulting in tears in the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle. Symptoms of golfer's elbow include pain during gripping or wrist flexion and weakness in grip strength.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, restoring tendon health, and enhancing strength and flexibility of the forearm muscles. A combination of manual therapy, targeted stretching and strengthening exercises, and activity modification is used to offload the affected tendons. Supportive techniques such as taping or bracing may be applied during recovery. Education on ergonomics and proper technique plays a key role in preventing recurrence. The ultimate goal is to relieve symptoms, promote tendon healing, and facilitate a safe return to daily activities or sports.
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What are runner’s & jumper’s knees?
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome) and jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy) are two common overuse injuries particularly in active individuals or athletes. Runner’s knee involves pain around or behind the kneecap, often caused by poor knee alignment, muscle imbalances, or repetitive impact activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs. Jumper’s knee, on the other hand, refers to inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, usually felt just below the kneecap, and is common in sports involving frequent jumping or sudden changes in direction.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment for both conditions focuses on reducing pain, correcting movement patterns, and improving strength and flexibility in the surrounding muscles, especially the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. This may include manual therapy, targeted strengthening exercises, stretching, and activity modification to offload the knee. Taping or bracing may also be used short-term for support. The overall goal is to restore proper knee mechanics, promote tendon or joint recovery, and safely return the patient to their usual activities.
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What are ankle sprains?
Ankle sprains often result from sudden twists, falls, or impacts that force the ankle joint beyond its normal range of motion. Whether you are an athlete, an active individual, or someone navigating daily life, ankle sprains can significantly impact mobility and function. These injuries often resulting from sudden twists, falls, or impacts, can significantly disrupt daily activities and limit mobility. The signs of an ankle sprain are typically immediate, with pain being the primary indicator. Swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle are common accompanying symptoms.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy treatment for ankle sprains is typically structured in phases. In the early stage, the focus is on reducing pain and swelling, along with gentle range-of-motion exercises. As recovery progresses, treatment shifts to restoring mobility through manual therapy, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and retraining balance and proprioception to prevent future sprains. In the final phase, physiotherapists guide patients through sport-specific drills, agility training, and functional exercises to ensure a safe return to physical activity. Taping or bracing may also be recommended for additional support. The overall goal of physiotherapy is not only to relieve symptoms but to restore full function, build confidence in movement, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
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What is plantar fasciitis?
It is a common condition involving inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. It can be caused by a number of factors such as type of shoes, foot structure, overuse and types of walking surfaces. It typically causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, improving foot and ankle mobility, and addressing contributing factors like poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or altered walking patterns. Treatment may include manual therapy, stretching of the plantar fascia and calves, strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg muscles, and taping techniques or orthotic advice to support the arch. The goal is to relieve symptoms, promote healing, and prevent recurrence by improving overall foot mechanics and function.
SPINE & NERVE-RELATED CONDITIONS/INJURIES
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What are stress fractures?
They are small cracks in a bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse, rather than a sudden injury. They are common in weight-bearing bones such as the shin (tibia), foot (metatarsals), and hip, and often affect runners, dancers, and athletes who increase training intensity too quickly.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment for stress fractures begins with a period of rest and activity modification to allow the bone to heal. This is followed by a graded rehabilitation program focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and biomechanics. Physiotherapists may use techniques to address muscle imbalances, improve load tolerance, and correct movement patterns or training errors that contributed to the injury. Once healing is confirmed, a safe return-to-sport plan is developed. The overall goal is to promote full recovery, prevent recurrence, and support long-term bone and joint health.
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What is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, usually in the lower back (lumbar spine). This can occur due to a stress fracture, degenerative changes, congenital defects, or trauma. Depending on the severity, it may cause lower back pain, stiffness, tight hamstrings, and in some cases, nerve-related symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
How can physiotherapy help?
In physiotherapy, treatment for spondylolisthesis focuses on reducing pain, stabilising the spine, and improving movement control. This typically involves core strengthening exercises, pelvic and lumbar stability training, manual therapy to reduce muscle tension, and education on posture and body mechanics. High-impact or extension-based movements are often modified or avoided. The aim is to improve spinal support, relieve nerve compression (if present), and help patients return to daily activities safely and confidently.
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What is nerve root impingement?
Also known as nerve root compression, pinched nerve or radiculopathy, occurs when a spinal nerve is pinched or irritated as it exits the spinal column. This is often caused by conditions such as a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. It most commonly affects the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Symptoms may include sharp or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or leg, depending on which nerve is affected.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment aims to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility and strength. This may involve a combination of manual therapy, gentle nerve gliding exercises, postural correction, core and spinal strengthening, and education on body mechanics to avoid aggravating the condition. In more severe cases, physiotherapy may also support recovery after surgical intervention. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.
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What is dizziness?
It is a sensation of lightheadedness, imbalance, or vertigo (a spinning feeling) that can affect a person’s stability and ability to move safely. Dizziness can arise from various causes including inner ear problems (vestibular disorders), neurological issues, poor neck posture and muscle function or balance dysfunction.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapists specialising in vestibular or balance rehabilitation assess the underlying cause of dizziness and design personalised treatment plans. These often include vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain the brain and inner ear, improve balance, and reduce symptoms. Treatment may also involve manual therapy to address neck stiffness, gaze stabilisation exercises, and strategies to manage motion sensitivity. The goal is to help patients regain confidence in their balance, reduce falls risk, and improve overall quality of life.
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What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can be due to a range of factors, such as repetitive movements, arthritis, and pregnancy. Our team of specialists employs diverse methods to address carpal tunnel syndrome. Manual therapy is utilised to diminish inflammation and alleviate strain, while corrective exercises aim to enhance muscle strength for rehabilitation.
How can physiotherapy help?
In physiotherapy, treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the median nerve and addressing the contributing factors. This may include wrist mobilisation, nerve gliding exercises, and soft tissue techniques to reduce tension in the forearm and wrist. Therapists may also provide splinting advice, postural education, and ergonomic modifications for work or daily activities. Strengthening exercises for the hand and forearm may be introduced once symptoms improve. The aim of physiotherapy is to reduce pain, restore normal nerve function, and prevent progression or recurrence of the condition.
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What is sciatic nerve pain?
Sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, is a condition where the sciatic nerve—which runs from the lower back down the legs—is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or tight muscles such as the piriformis. This can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates from the lower back or buttock down one leg.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the nerve, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility and strength. This may include a combination of manual therapy, nerve gliding exercises, core stability training, and postural correction. Education on proper body mechanics and movement strategies is also essential to prevent recurrence. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and help patients return to daily activities without discomfort.
LYMPHEDEMA & WOMEN’S HEALTH CONDITIONS
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What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition characterised by swelling, usually in the arms or legs, caused by a build-up of lymphatic fluid when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. In physiotherapy, lymphedema often occurs after surgery, radiation, infection, or trauma that affects lymph nodes or vessels.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing swelling and improving lymphatic flow through techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage (a gentle, specialised massage), compression therapy using bandages or sleeves, and therapeutic exercises to encourage fluid movement. Education on skin care and lifestyle modifications is also important to prevent complications like infections. The goal is to manage symptoms, improve limb function, and enhance quality of life.
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What is diastasis recti?
It is a condition characterised by the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles along the midline of the abdomen due to stretching or thinning of the connective tissue. It commonly occurs during and after pregnancy, but can also result from factors such as excessive abdominal pressure, improper lifting, or chronic straining. Symptoms may include core weakness, poor posture, lower back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and difficulty with certain movements or exercises.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy helps manage diastasis recti by restoring core strength, reducing abdominal separation, and improving stability. A tailored program focuses on activating deep core and pelvic floor muscles through safe, targeted exercises. Physiotherapists also provide guidance on posture, breathing, and movement techniques to support healing and prevent further strain. Manual therapy and supportive tools like taping or binders may be used as needed. The goal is to relieve symptoms, improve function, and support a safe return to daily activities or exercise.
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What is women’s health in physiotherapy?
Women’s health physiotherapy is a specialised area of physiotherapy that addresses conditions specific to the female body, often related to the pelvic floor, core, and hormonal changes across different life stages. Common issues include pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, diastasis recti, and musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy or postpartum. These conditions can affect a woman’s comfort, confidence, physical function, and overall quality of life.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on restoring function, improving strength and control of the pelvic floor and core muscles, and relieving pain or discomfort. A physiotherapist provides a tailored program which may include pelvic floor muscle training, postural correction, manual therapy, breathing and movement retraining, and education on bladder and bowel health. Supportive strategies such as pessary fitting, taping, or exercise modification may also be used. The overall goal is to empower women with the tools and knowledge to manage their symptoms, support recovery, and return confidently to daily life, work, or exercise.