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Headaches

Headaches are a common condition characterised by pain or discomfort in the head or face area. They can range from mild to severe and may be caused by tension, migraines, sinus issues, or referred pain from the neck or jaw. While most headaches are not serious, some can be a sign of a more severe problem. Seek medical attention if you experience severe headaches, sudden onset headaches, or headaches accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Physiotherapy can help manage certain types of headaches, especially those related to muscle tension, posture, or joint dysfunction.

Physiotherapy Glossary

Headaches

Headaches are a common condition characterised by pain or discomfort in the head or face area. They can range from mild to severe and may be caused by tension, migraines, sinus issues, or referred pain from the neck or jaw. While most headaches are not serious, some can be a sign of a more severe problem. Seek medical attention if you experience severe headaches, sudden onset headaches, or headaches accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Physiotherapy can help manage certain types of headaches, especially those related to muscle tension, posture, or joint dysfunction.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

TMJ disorder involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. It can cause jaw pain, difficulty chewing, clicking sounds, and headaches. Contributing factors may include stress, teeth grinding, misalignment, or trauma. Physiotherapy can assist with pain relief, joint mobility, and muscle relaxation techniques.
Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common issue that can result from poor posture, muscle strain, injury, or degenerative changes. It may be accompanied by stiffness, headaches, or pain radiating to the shoulders or arms. Physiotherapy treatment focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving control and posture.
Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome refers to pain or dysfunction in the group of muscles and tendons that stabilise the shoulder joint. It is often caused by overuse, injury, or degeneration, and may result in shoulder weakness, pain, and limited movement. Physiotherapy plays a key role in restoring shoulder function through manual therapy and rehabilitation.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to inflammation of the tendons on the outer elbow. It often results from repetitive wrist and arm motions and causes pain with gripping or lifting. Physiotherapy helps reduce pain and restore function with manual therapy, specific exercises and activity modifications.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow and is caused by overuse of the muscles involved in gripping or wrist flexion. It results in pain, tenderness, and reduced grip strength. Physiotherapy focuses on relieving pain, promoting healing, and improving forearm strength and flexibility.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. It leads to numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers. Repetitive movements and poor wrist posture can contribute to this condition. Physiotherapy can help with nerve gliding exercises, stretches and ergonomic advice.
Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and may snap when straightened. It is caused by inflammation or thickening of the tendons that control finger movement. It can result in pain, stiffness, and limited function. Physiotherapy may assist with stretching and reducing tendon irritation and for post-surgical rehabilitation.

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints and can be caused by muscle strain, facet joint dysfunction/arthritis, disc degeneration or a “pinched nerve”. It may present as stiffness, aching, sharp pain, or referred symptoms down the legs. Physiotherapy aims to relieve pain, restore mobility, and strengthen the core and back muscles.
Thoracic Pain

Mid back pain affects the thoracic spine and is often linked to poor posture, muscle tension, or joint restrictions. It can cause discomfort between the shoulder blades, limited movement, and sometimes referred pain around the ribs or chest. Physiotherapy helps address underlying causes through mobilisation, myofascial release, strapping, strengthening, and postural correction.
Trochanteric Bursitis

Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa over the outer hip (greater trochanter), often caused by repetitive movement or pressure. It results in pain on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on the side, walking, or climbing stairs. Physiotherapy focuses on reducing inflammation, strengthening surrounding muscles, and correcting biomechanics.
Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttock irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve. This can lead to buttock pain and sciatic-like symptoms down the leg. It is often associated with prolonged sitting or muscle imbalances. Physiotherapy involves stretching, strengthening, and releasing the piriformis muscle.
Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome

ITB syndrome is an overuse injury where the thick band of tissue running along the outside of the thigh becomes tight or inflamed, often causing lateral knee or hip pain. Common in runners and cyclists, it is treated with physiotherapy focusing on stretching, strengthening, and correcting movement patterns.
Quadriceps Strain

A quadriceps strain is a tear or overstretching of the large thigh muscles at the front of the leg, usually due to sudden force or overuse. It causes pain, swelling, and difficulty with walking or running. Physiotherapy assists in managing pain, ensuring optimal healing, restoring strength, and safely returning to activity.
Calf Strain

A calf strain is an injury to the muscles at the back of the lower leg, often caused by sudden pushing off or sprinting. It results in sharp pain, tightness, or even bruising. Physiotherapy includes reduction of pain and swelling, ensuring optimal healing, achieving improved flexibility and strength and guidance on return to sport or activity.
Ankle Ligament Injury

Ankle ligament injuries, commonly known as sprains, occur when the ligaments supporting the ankle are stretched or torn. They typically result from twisting or rolling the ankle and cause swelling, bruising, and instability. Physiotherapy supports recovery with immobilisation, electrotherapy techniques to reduce pain and swelling, manual therapy techniques to improve healing and ligament strength and rehabilitation to restore proprioception, stability, strength and sport-specific activity.
Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy refers to pain and degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel. It is often due to overuse or poor biomechanics. Symptoms include stiffness, tenderness, and pain with activity. Physiotherapy helps with loading programs, manual therapy, stretching, and improving lower limb mechanics.
Hamstring Tear

A hamstring tear is a strain or rupture of the muscles at the back of the thigh, usually from rapid acceleration or overstretching. It presents with sudden pain, swelling, and weakness. Rehabilitation through physiotherapy involves pain management, guiding optimal healing, appropriate strengthening and later stretching, and gradual return to sport-specific activity.
Gluteal Strain

A gluteal strain involves injury to the muscles in the buttock region, typically from sudden movement, overuse, or poor muscle control. It causes local pain, difficulty with hip movement, and sometimes referred pain down the leg. Physiotherapy addresses the strain through manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and functional rehabilitation.
Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot, causing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. It’s often related to overuse, poor footwear, or foot mechanics. Physiotherapy focuses on manual therapy, stretching the plantar fascia and calf, improving foot strength, and modifying activities.
Hip Flexor Strain

A hip flexor strain involves injury to the muscles that lift the thigh toward the body, often caused by sudden movement, kicking, or sprinting. It presents with groin or front-of-hip pain and limited movement. Physiotherapy aids recovery through targeted manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and gradual return to movement.

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