What are City Physiotherapy’s treatments for common symptoms and conditions?

When should you see a Physiotherapist?

It can be hard to identify your symptoms, know when you should be seeing a physiotherapist, and put them into words. It can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming journey. That’s why we’re here to guide you through it. 

We have made a list of some of the most common complaints we get to guide you from the initial symptoms, to your appointment, and onward to relief. We know that when you’re in pain or discomfort, it can be both difficult and daunting to accurately gauge your symptoms, so we’ve provided information about the treatments available to you based on your symptoms. City Physio is here to help you. 

Common Symptoms You Might Experience

In this initial guide, we’ll explore City Physiotherapy’s treatments for various common symptoms and conditions, shedding light on how our physiotherapists can help you regain control of your well-being. No matter the problem, we always aim to streamline the process from symptom to treatment.

Pain

The most common symptom experienced by individuals seeking physiotherapy is pain. Pain can manifest in various parts of the body, including the head, neck, back (upper, middle and lower back), shoulders, knees, hips, and more. The cause of pain can arise from multiple sources, such as injuries, overuse, poor posture or underlying medical conditions. Pain is a complex thing and as such every person experiences pain in their own unique way. 

You could wake up with an aching shoulder, tweak your back from lifting a box, or get a sharp pain in your shoulder when you use your left arm. There are endless ways for pain to manifest so it can feel overwhelming when seeking out a cause or sufficient treatment. With this guide, we aim to streamline the process from pain to treatment.

Pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life and hinder daily activities. It is often the primary reason people turn to physiotherapy for relief and improvement. Physiotherapists employ a variety of techniques, exercises, and interventions tailored to the source and type of pain. Focused treatment methods aim to reduce discomfort, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. We work together with our patients to find the most suitable mix of treatment strategies.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of pain:

• Sensations of discomfort or distress
• Varying degrees of pain intensity
• Sharp, dull, burning, or aching pain
• Constant or intermittent pain
• Impact on daily activities and overall well being
• Emotional responses such as frustration, irritability, and anxiety
• Impacting quality and ability to sleep

Hands-On Physiotherapy

Targeted Pain Relief: 

Hands-on physiotherapy techniques, such as manual therapy, focus on local areas of pain, global areas that contribute to pain, and trigger points for referred pain. 

Whether it’s neck pain, back pain, or joint discomfort, hands-on approaches not only aim to alleviate pain directly at the source but the indirect sources of pain as well.

Improved Mobility: 

Manual therapy helps restore joint mobility and flexibility, reducing stiffness that contributes to pain. It can be particularly effective for addressing musculoskeletal issues like stiff necks, tight shoulders, and lower back pain.

Injury Rehabilitation: 

For those who’ve experienced injuries, hands-on physiotherapy can accelerate the healing process. By promoting blood flow and tissue repair, it aids in the recovery of injured muscles and joints.

Dry Needling

Muscle Pain Relief: 

Dry needling targets and releases trigger points within muscles, which are often the culprits behind localised pain. Dry needling can also be used in conjunction with other physiotherapy treatments to enhance their effectiveness, making it a versatile option for pain management.

Wellness Physiotherapy:

Holistic Pain Management: 

Wellness physiotherapy takes a comprehensive approach to pain management. It considers not only the physical aspect of pain but also the patient’s overall well-being, including mental and emotional factors that can influence pain perception.

Lifestyle Modification: 

It focuses on identifying and addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to pain, such as poor posture, ergonomic issues, or sedentary habits. By guiding patients towards necessary lifestyle changes, they can develop healthy long-term habits to reduce the recurrence of pain.

Preventive Care: 

Wellness physiotherapy doesn’t just manage existing pain; it also aims to prevent future discomfort. Through education and guidance, patients can learn strategies to maintain a pain-free and healthy lifestyle.

Headaches

Headaches, particularly tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches can be related to musculoskeletal issues in the neck and upper back. Physiotherapy interventions aim to alleviate headache symptoms by addressing muscular imbalances, tension, and posture-related issues.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of headaches: 

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tension in the neck and shoulders
• Visual disturbances (aura)
• Scalp tenderness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability

Headache Treatment: 

Specialised physiotherapy techniques can be employed to alleviate headache symptoms by addressing muscular imbalances and tension.

Hands-On Physiotherapy: 

Manual therapy techniques can address muscular imbalances and tension in the neck and upper back, common triggers for tension headaches.

Dry Needling: 

Dry needling can target trigger points in the neck and shoulders, providing relief from headache-related muscle tension.

Back Pain

Back pain is a prevalent symptom that can affect the upper, middle, or lower back. It can be caused by factors such as muscle strain, poor posture, herniated discs, or degenerative conditions. Physiotherapy interventions for back pain include targeted exercises, manual therapy, and posture correction to alleviate pain and restore spinal function. This approach streamlines the process from identifying the cause (such as lifting-related injury) to providing effective treatment.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of back pain:

• Dull or shooting pain in the lower, middle, or upper back
• Muscle tightness and spasms
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Radiating pain down the legs (sciatica)
• Difficulty standing or sitting for extended periods
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty maintaining proper posture
• Pain during lifting or bending

Back Pain and Injury Treatment

Physiotherapists assess the type of injury or condition contributing to back pain, whether it’s related to overuse, poor posture, or a specific injury. Treatment plans may include a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and ergonomic guidance to alleviate back pain and enhance spine health.

Targeted Exercises: 

Physiotherapists design exercise programs that strengthen the muscles supporting the spine and improve flexibility. These exercises can alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.

Manual Therapy: 

Manual therapy techniques, such as spinal manipulation and joint mobilisation, are used to correct structural issues contributing to back pain.

Ergonomic Guidance: 

Identifying and addressing poor ergonomics at work or home can reduce the strain on the back and support recovery.

Hands-On Physiotherapy

• Massage and Soft Tissue Mobilisation
• Joint Mobilisation
• Nerve Mobilisation
• Spinal Manipulation

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a specialised form of treatment that City Physiotherapy uses for reducing your pain and inflammation. Your myofascial trigger points are targeted with acupuncture needles to treat your pain, muscle tension, injury, and dysfunction. 

Wellness Physiotherapy

• Lifestyle adjustments
• Posture Correction
• Core Strengthening Exercises
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
• Holistic Approaches

Neck Pain

Neck pain can stem from issues like muscle tension, cervical spine disorders, poor posture and/or poor ergonomic practices. Physiotherapy for neck pain focuses on reducing muscle tension, improving neck mobility, and addressing contributing factors like posture and ergonomics.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of neck pain:

• Stiffness and tension in the neck
• Dull or sharp neck pain
• Pain that radiates to the shoulders or arms
• Headaches and migraines
• Limited neck mobility
• Muscle spasms
• Tingling or numbness in the arms
• Difficulty turning the head

Hands-On Physiotherapy:

Hands-on techniques such as manual therapy are used to reduce muscle tension and improve neck mobility, providing relief from neck pain.

Dry Needling: 

Dry needling can target trigger points in the neck muscles, alleviating muscle knots and tension contributing to neck pain.

Pilates for Rehabilitation: 

Pilates exercises can help strengthen the core and improve posture, reducing strain on the neck.

Remedial Massage: 

Massage therapy can help relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, which often contributes to neck pain.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is a prevalent symptom that can result from a range of underlying conditions. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, or patellofemoral pain syndrome can lead to knee discomfort. These conditions can impact individuals with varying lifestyles and physical activities. Physiotherapy for knee pain aims to target the root causes and contributing factors to these conditions, offering effective relief and rehabilitation.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of knee pain:

• Pain in the knee joint
• Swelling and inflammation
• Grinding or popping sensations
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Buckling or giving way of the knee
• Stiffness and reduced flexibility
• Pain during activities or while at rest
• Decreased mobility

Hands-On Physiotherapy:

Hands-on techniques, including manual therapy, can reduce muscle tension around the knee joint and improve knee mobility, providing relief from knee pain.

Therapeutic Exercise:

Customised exercise programs are designed to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve joint stability, and support pain management and knee rehabilitation.

Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Rehab:

For sports-related knee injuries, physiotherapists specialise in sports physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation to facilitate recovery and restore proper leg function.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that can arise from conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or tendonitis. These conditions can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. Physiotherapy for shoulder pain is designed to address the specific causes and contributing factors behind these conditions.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of shoulder pain:

• Aching or sharp pain in the shoulder joint
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle weakness
• Pain radiating down the arm
• Difficulty lifting or reaching
• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Discomfort when sleeping
• Numbness or tingling in the arm

Hands-On Physiotherapy:

Hands-on techniques, such as manual therapy, are used to reduce muscle tension and improve shoulder mobility, providing relief from shoulder pain.

Therapeutic Exercise:

Tailored exercises are prescribed to strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve joint stability, aiding in pain management and rehabilitation.

Sports Physiotherapy and Injury Rehab:

For sports-related shoulder injuries, physiotherapists specialise in sports physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation to facilitate recovery and restore shoulder function.

Dry Needling:

Dry needling can target trigger points in the shoulder muscles, helping to alleviate muscle knots and tension contributing to shoulder pain.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic joint pain from arthritis, or chronic back pain, require ongoing physiotherapy for pain management and improved function. Physiotherapists work with patients to develop personalised pain management strategies, incorporating exercises, manual therapy, and education.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of chronic pain:

• Persistent and ongoing pain
• Fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced quality of life
• Limited mobility
• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Isolation and social withdrawal
• Frustration and hopelessness
• Difficulties staying active 

Wellness Physiotherapy: 

A holistic approach to pain management that considers both physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain, helping patients develop strategies for managing pain and improving overall well-being.

Therapeutic Exercise Classes:

Targeted exercises can help individuals with chronic pain improve physical function, manage pain, and enhance their quality of life.

Hands-On Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain: 

Chronic pain can result from past injuries. Hands-on techniques can target both current discomfort and the lasting effects of previous injuries.

Post-Injury Discomfort

Post-injury discomfort can result from various injuries, including sprains, strains, fractures, or soft tissue injuries. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in post-injury rehabilitation by facilitating tissue healing, improving strength, and restoring function through tailored exercise programs and therapeutic modalities.

Here are common ways people describe their symptoms of post-injury discomfort:

• Pain in and around the injury
• Swelling and inflammation
• Bruising or discoloration
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness and sensitivity
• Muscle stiffness
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Emotional distress and frustration

Physiotherapy and Rehab Post-Surgery:

In cases of post-surgical discomfort, physiotherapists help with the rehabilitation process, facilitating tissue healing, improving strength, and restoring function through tailored exercise programs and therapeutic modalities.

Hands-On Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain: 

Chronic pain can result from past injuries. Hands-on techniques can target both current discomfort and the lasting effects of previous injuries.

Contact City Physio to treat common symptoms and conditions!

Empower your well-being with City Physiotherapy. We understand the challenges of common symptoms and conditions. Our physiotherapists are here to help you regain control.

From pain relief to improved mobility, lifestyle adjustments to holistic pain management, City Physiotherapy offers a wide range of treatments tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with pain in your neck, back, shoulders, knees, or any other part of your body, we have specialised techniques and therapies to address your unique concerns.

Don’t let symptoms hold you back. Contact City Physiotherapy today to start your journey towards a pain-free, healthier life. Take the first step now!

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