Conditions & Injuries We Treat
At Milestone Physiotherapy, we treat a full spectrum of conditions — from muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries to spinal and nerve-related issues. Our expertise also includes women’s health physiotherapy and lymphedema management, ensuring personalised care for every stage of recovery.
MUSCULOSKELETAL & SPORTS CONDITIONS/INJURIES
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What are muscle tears & injuries?
Muscle strains and tears occur when fibres are overstretched or damaged, often from sudden movements, heavy lifting, or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced strength or movement.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment supports healing through manual therapy, gentle stretching, and progressive strengthening. Physiotherapists guide safe return to activity, reduce re-injury risk, and restore full function.
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What are cartilage & joint injuries?
Cartilage and joint injuries affect the smooth surfaces that cushion movement, often in the knee, shoulder, or ankle. They may result from trauma, overuse, or degeneration, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or catching/locking.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment reduces pain and swelling, restores mobility, and strengthens supporting muscles. Physiotherapists also guide joint protection strategies and personalised exercise to improve long-term function and prevent recurrence.
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What are ligament sprains & tears?
Ligaments are tough bands that stabilise joints. Sprains or tears, often in the ankle, knee, or shoulder, usually result from sudden twists, overstretching, or trauma. Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty moving the joint.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy supports healing with manual therapy, swelling management, and progressive strengthening. Rehab restores joint stability, mobility, and balance, while tailored exercise reduces the risk of re-injury.
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What is rotator cuff tendinitis?
Rotator cuff tendinitis is inflammation of the shoulder tendons, often caused by overuse, poor posture, or repetitive overhead movements. It commonly leads to shoulder pain, weakness, and reduced mobility.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and restores shoulder function through manual therapy, mobility work, and strengthening of rotator cuff and postural muscles. Education on movement and load management helps prevent recurrence.
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What are tennis & golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow (outer elbow pain) and golfer’s elbow (inner elbow pain) are overuse injuries caused by repetitive wrist or forearm movements. They lead to pain, tenderness, and reduced grip strength.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain and restoring strength through manual therapy, stretching, and targeted strengthening. Ergonomic and activity advice helps prevent recurrence.
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What are runner’s & jumper’s knees?
Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain) and jumper’s knee (patellar tendinopathy) are overuse injuries affecting the knee. They often result from repetitive impact, muscle imbalances, or poor alignment, causing pain, swelling, and reduced function.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain, restores knee mobility, and strengthens surrounding muscles. Therapists use manual therapy, targeted exercises, and activity modification to improve knee mechanics and support a safe return to sports or daily activities.
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What are ankle, knee, and shoulder injuries?
These injuries include conditions such as ACL/MCL tears, rotator cuff injuries, and other ligament, tendon, or joint damage. They often result from trauma, sports, or sudden movements, causing pain, swelling, instability, and reduced mobility.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, restores joint mobility, and strengthens surrounding muscles for stability. Treatments include manual therapy, targeted exercises, and activity modification to promote healing, prevent re-injury, and support a safe return to daily activities or sports.
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What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting heel to toes. Common causes include footwear, foot structure, overuse, and walking surfaces. It typically causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after rest.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, improves foot and ankle mobility, and addresses contributing factors. Treatments include manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, taping, and orthotic advice to support the arch and promote long-term foot function
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What is achilles tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. It commonly results from overuse, repetitive jumping or running, tight calf muscles, or poor footwear, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling at the back of the heel.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment reduces pain and inflammation while improving ankle mobility and tendon strength. Therapists use manual therapy, stretching, strengthening exercises, load management, and sometimes taping or orthotics to support healing, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
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What is joint pain & arthritis?
Joint pain and arthritis involve inflammation, degeneration, or injury of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, overuse, or previous injuries. Symptoms can affect daily activities and overall quality of life.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, improving joint mobility, and strengthening surrounding muscles for support. Therapists use manual therapy, targeted exercises, activity modification, and education on posture and movement to restore function and help patients maintain an active lifestyle.
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What are overuse & biomechanical injuries?
These injuries occur when repeated stress or poor movement patterns strain muscles, tendons, or joints. Common causes include repetitive sports or work activities, improper technique, or muscular imbalances. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced function.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment addresses the underlying cause by correcting movement patterns, improving strength and flexibility, and reducing pain. Therapists use manual therapy, targeted exercises, activity modification, and education to promote healing, prevent recurrence, and restore safe, efficient movement.
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What are running-related injuries?
These injuries often affect runners and include patellofemoral pain, iliotibial (ITB) syndrome, shin splints, and stress fractures. They typically develop from overuse, improper training, or biomechanical issues, leading to pain, swelling, and limited performance.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, corrects movement patterns, and strengthens muscles to support joints and tendons. Treatments may include manual therapy, exercises, gait retraining, and training guidance to promote recovery, prevent future injuries, and safely return to running.
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What is performing arts rehabilitation?
This rehabilitation focuses on dancers, gymnasts, and other performing artists who experience injuries from repetitive movements, overuse, or performance demands. Common issues include joint pain, muscle strains, tendon injuries, and postural imbalances.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain, restores mobility, and strengthens key muscles for performance. Therapists use manual therapy, targeted exercises, movement retraining, and injury-prevention strategies to support safe, optimal performance and prevent recurrence.
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What is post-surgical rehabilitation?
This rehabilitation helps patients recover after surgeries on the hip, knee, or shoulder. Common goals include reducing pain and swelling, restoring mobility, rebuilding strength, and regaining functional movement.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy guides recovery through manual therapy, targeted exercises, and progressive functional training. Treatments aim to restore joint function, improve strength and flexibility, prevent complications, and support a safe return to daily activities or sports.
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What are injury rehab & prevention programmes?
These programmes focus on recovering from injuries and reducing the risk of future ones. They address musculoskeletal weaknesses, movement imbalances, and high-risk activities that can lead to injury.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy combines assessment, manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on proper technique and movement patterns. The goal is to restore function, strengthen the body, and prevent recurrence, supporting safe participation in daily activities, sports, or performance.
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What is return-to-sport conditioning & athletic performance training?
This focuses on helping athletes safely return to their sport after injury and enhancing overall performance. It targets strength, endurance, agility, and sport-specific skills to optimise function and reduce injury risk.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy provides tailored training programmes, combining strengthening, conditioning, movement retraining, and injury-prevention strategies. The goal is to restore peak performance, improve athletic capabilities, and support a safe return to competitive or recreational sports.
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What is post-injury strength rebuilding?
After an injury, muscles and joints often weaken due to pain or reduced activity. This can affect stability, mobility, and overall performance.
How can physiotherapy help?
We design progressive strength programs to safely rebuild muscle, restore joint function, and correct imbalances. Our goal is to help you regain confidence, reduce re-injury risk, and return to full activity stronger than before.
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What are muscle imbalances, weakness & tightness?
Uneven strength, weak muscles, or restricted flexibility can place extra stress on joints and movement patterns, often leading to pain or injury.
How can physiotherapy help?
We assess movement, identify problem areas, and create tailored programs with strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises. The aim is to restore balance, improve performance, and prevent future injuries.
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What is inflammatory conditions & chronic soft tissue pain?
Sometimes tissues take longer to heal due to inflammation, overuse, or underlying health factors. This can result in ongoing pain, swelling, and limited movement in muscles, tendons, or joints.
How can physiotherapy help?
We use targeted techniques such as manual therapy, gentle exercise, and load management to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and restore mobility. The focus is on easing pain, improving function, and helping you return to daily activities with confidence.
SPINE & NERVE-RELATED CONDITIONS/INJURIES
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What are stress fractures?
They are small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive stress or overuse, often affecting the lower limbs in athletes or active individuals. Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, which worsen with activity.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy supports healing through rest, activity modification, and a graded rehabilitation program. Treatments focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and biomechanics, correcting movement patterns, and safely returning to sport or daily activities while preventing recurrence.
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What is spondylolisthesis?
Spondylolisthesis is a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, usually in the lower back. It can result from stress fractures, degeneration, congenital defects, or trauma, causing lower back pain, stiffness, tight hamstrings, and sometimes nerve symptoms like numbness or weakness in the legs.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improves spinal stability, and restores movement control. Treatments include core and lumbar strengthening, manual therapy, posture education, and activity modification to support spinal health, relieve nerve pressure, and enable safe daily activity.
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What is nerve root impingement?
Nerve impingement occurs when a spinal nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to herniated discs, degeneration, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. It commonly affects the neck or lower back and can cause sharp or radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment focuses on relieving nerve pressure, reducing inflammation, and restoring mobility and strength. Therapists use manual therapy, gentle nerve gliding, postural correction, and core/spinal strengthening, with education on body mechanics, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.
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What are vestibular conditions?
Vestibular conditions affect balance and spatial orientation, causing dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness. They can result from inner ear disorders, infections, or head injuries such as concussions.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy uses vestibular rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, gaze stabilisation, and movement retraining to improve balance, reduce symptoms, and restore confidence. Education on managing motion sensitivity and fall prevention is also provided.
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What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
CTS occurs when the median nerve in the forearm and hand becomes compressed, often due to repetitive movements, arthritis, or pregnancy. Treatment uses manual therapy to reduce inflammation and strain, alongside corrective exercises to improve muscle strength and support rehabilitation.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment relieves pressure on the median nerve and addresses contributing factors. Therapists use wrist mobilisation, nerve gliding, soft tissue techniques, splinting advice, postural education, and ergonomic modifications, adding hand and forearm strengthening as symptoms improve. The goal is to reduce pain, restore nerve function, and prevent recurrence.
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What is sciatic nerve pain?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscle tightness. Symptoms include lower back pain radiating down the leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces nerve pressure, eases pain, and restores mobility and strength. Treatments include manual therapy, targeted exercises, nerve gliding, and posture education to relieve symptoms, improve function, and prevent recurrence.
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What is back & neck pain (acute, chronic, or postural-related)?
Back and neck pain can result from sudden injury, long-term strain, poor posture, or underlying conditions. Symptoms include stiffness, aching, restricted movement, and sometimes radiating pain or numbness.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, restores mobility, and strengthens supporting muscles. Treatments include manual therapy, posture correction, targeted exercises, and ergonomic advice to improve function, prevent recurrence, and support daily activities.
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What are prolapsed & herniated discs?
A prolapsed or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner part of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, often in the lower back or neck. This can compress nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain and inflammation, restores spinal mobility, and strengthens core and back muscles. Treatments may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture and movement education, and activity modification to relieve symptoms, prevent recurrence, and support safe return to daily activities.
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What are neck & shoulder and tension headaches?
Neck and shoulder stiffness can result from poor posture, muscle tension, or prolonged strain. This often leads to tension headaches, restricted movement, and discomfort in the upper back and shoulders.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy eases muscle tension, restores mobility, and strengthens supporting muscles. Treatments may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and ergonomic advice to reduce pain, prevent recurrence, and improve overall function.
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What is chronic musculoskeletal & neuropathic pain?
Chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain involves persistent discomfort in muscles, joints, or nerves, often lasting for months. It can result from injury, inflammation, nerve damage, or long-term strain, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces pain, improves mobility, and restores function using manual therapy, targeted exercises, nerve and tissue techniques, and education on posture and movement strategies. The goal is to manage symptoms, enhance function, and prevent recurrence.
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What are balance & mobility disorders?
Balance and mobility disorders affect stability, coordination, and movement, often increasing the risk of falls. These issues can result from ageing, neurological conditions, injuries, or muscle weakness.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy improves strength, coordination, and gait through targeted exercises, balance training, and functional movement practice. The goal is to enhance independence, reduce fall risk, and support safe daily activities.
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What is stroke recovery & neurological rehabilitation?
Stroke and neurological conditions can lead to weakness, impaired coordination, and reduced functional ability. Patients may experience difficulties with movement, balance, speech, or daily activities.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring mobility, strength, and function through targeted exercises, gait training, balance and coordination work, and task-specific rehabilitation. The goal is to improve independence, promote recovery, and support a safe return to daily life.
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What is chronic pain management?
Chronic pain management addresses ongoing pain that lasts for months or years, often resulting from injury, inflammation, nerve damage, or long-term musculoskeletal conditions. It can affect daily activities, mobility, and quality of life.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy uses a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture and movement education, and pain management strategies. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, restore mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
LYMPHEDEMA & WOMEN’S HEALTH CONDITIONS
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What is primary & secondary lymphedema?
Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, either due to congenital issues (primary) or damage to the lymphatic system from surgery, infection, or injury (secondary). It commonly affects the arms or legs and can cause heaviness, tightness, and reduced mobility.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy manages swelling and improves lymphatic flow using manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education on skin care and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to reduce symptoms, restore 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.
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What is cancer-related lymphedema?
Cancer-related lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid builds up after surgery or radiation, often affecting the arms or legs. It can cause swelling, heaviness, tightness, and discomfort, impacting daily activities.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy reduces swelling and improves lymphatic flow through manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercises, and education on skin care and movement strategies. The goal is to relieve symptoms, restore function, and improve quality of life.
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What are swelling & reduced mobility due to lymphatic conditions?
Lymphatic conditions can cause swelling in the arms or legs, leading to discomfort, heaviness, and reduced mobility. This may result from primary or secondary lymphedema, post-surgical changes, or radiation therapy.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy improves lymphatic flow and reduces swelling using manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercises, and education on skin care and movement. The goal is to restore function, ease discomfort, and support overall well-being.
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What is pregnancy-related back & pelvic pain?
Pregnancy-related back or pelvic pain is common due to hormonal changes, increased weight, and altered posture. It can cause discomfort, stiffness, and difficulty with daily movements.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy relieves pain, improves mobility, and strengthens supporting muscles through targeted exercises, posture education, and manual therapy. The goal is to ease discomfort, restore function, and support safe daily activity throughout pregnancy.
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What is postnatal recovery & rehabilitation?
Postnatal recovery and rehabilitation helps mothers regain strength, mobility, and overall function after childbirth. Common issues include weakened core and pelvic floor muscles, back or pelvic pain, and reduced endurance.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy restores core and pelvic floor strength, improves posture and movement, and supports safe return to daily activities or exercise. Treatments may include targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education on body mechanics to promote healing and overall well-being.
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What is pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction?
Pelvic floor weakness or dysfunction can result from childbirth, surgery, ageing, or chronic strain. It may cause urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic heaviness, or reduced core stability.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy strengthens the pelvic floor and core muscles through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and functional movement training. Education on posture, breathing, and activity modification helps restore control, improve function, and support everyday activities.
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What is urinary incontinence & prolapse?
Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse occur when the pelvic floor muscles are weakened or damaged, often after childbirth, surgery, or ageing. Symptoms may include leakage, pressure, or a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy strengthens pelvic floor and core muscles through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and functional training. Education on posture, bladder habits, and movement strategies helps restore control, reduce symptoms, and support daily activities.
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What are pelvic pain conditions?
Pelvic pain can arise from musculoskeletal, neurological, or gynecological causes, leading to discomfort in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or hips. It may affect daily activities, posture, and mobility.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy addresses pain, restores mobility, and strengthens core and pelvic muscles through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education on posture and movement. The goal is to relieve discomfort, improve function, and support everyday activities.