Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears or inflammation in these tendons can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility.

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Strengthening exercises to support the shoulder
• Stretching to improve flexibility
• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness
• Postural training to prevent further strain

Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

This condition causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint, often limiting movement significantly. It usually develops gradually and can last for months or even years.
How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Gentle stretching to restore mobility
• Heat therapy to relax muscles
• Joint mobilization techniques
• Strength-building exercises to regain function

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

This occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or compressed between the bones in the shoulder, leading to pain with overhead movements.
How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Correcting posture to relieve pressure on the tendons
• Strengthening surrounding muscles for better stability
• Specific stretches to improve joint space
• Taping techniques to support movement

Dislocated Shoulder

A shoulder dislocation happens when the upper arm bone pops out of the shoulder socket, often due to a fall or impact.
How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Controlled exercises to regain strength and stability
• Range-of-motion exercises to restore movement
• Proprioception training to improve joint awareness and prevent future injuries

Arthritis in the Shoulder

Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced function in the shoulder joint.
How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Gentle mobility exercises to maintain range of motion
• Strengthening exercises to support the joint
• Heat and cold therapy for pain relief
• Education on joint protection and movement modifications

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that affects brain function. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and sensitivity to light and sound.

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation: Addresses dizziness and balance problems.
• Oculomotor Therapy: Helps with eye tracking and visual disturbances.
• Neck & Posture Therapy: Manages whiplash-related symptoms from the concussion.
• Gradual Return to Activity: Physiotherapists guide patients through safe exercise progression to prevent symptom flare-ups.

Vertigo (Vestibular Disorders)

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by issues in the inner ear. Common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium particles (canaliths) in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt balance.
• Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear due to infection.
• Ménière’s Disease: A condition affecting inner ear fluid balance, causing vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Canalith Repositioning (Epley Maneuver): A specialized technique to move displaced particles in BPPV.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises that retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalances.
• Balance Training: Improves coordination and stability to prevent falls.
• Gaze Stabilization: Helps reduce dizziness with head movements.

What is TMJ/TMD?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, allowing movement for chewing, speaking, and yawning. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur when there is pain, dysfunction, or stiffness in this joint.

Common Symptoms of TMD:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Clicking or popping sounds when opening the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or locking of the jaw
• Headaches, ear pain, or facial discomfort
• Neck stiffness or pain

Causes of TMD:

• Jaw misalignment or bite issues
• Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
• Stress-related muscle tension
• Injury or trauma to the jaw
• Arthritis affecting the TMJ

ACL Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crucial for knee stability, preventing excessive forward movement of the shin bone. Tears often occur due to sudden stops, direction changes, or direct impact.

Symptoms:

• A "popping" sensation at the time of injury
• Severe pain and swelling
• Instability or feeling like the knee is "giving out"

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Pre-Surgery Rehabilitation ("Prehab"): Strengthening muscles before surgery improves post-surgical recovery.
• Post-Surgery Rehab: Exercises to restore strength, flexibility, and knee function.
• Balance & Proprioception Training: Helps prevent future injuries.
• Gradual Return to Sport Programs: Ensures safe movement and agility restoration.

MCL Tear

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of the knee and prevents excessive side-to-side movement. MCL injuries typically result from a direct blow to the outer knee or a twisting motion.

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness on the inner knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Difficulty bending or fully straightening the knee

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Bracing & Stability Exercises: To protect the knee while healing.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Prevents stiffness and improves flexibility.
• Strength Training: Focuses on quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles for knee support.
• Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Work: Reduces stiffness and promotes healing.

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It can tear due to a sudden twist or excessive weight-bearing pressure.

Symptoms:

• Pain along the knee joint
• Swelling and stiffness
• Locking or catching sensation when moving the knee
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the knee

How Physiotherapy Helps:

• Gentle Mobility Exercises: To maintain movement without stressing the meniscus.
• Muscle Strengthening: Focuses on the quadriceps and hamstrings to support the knee.
• Balance & Coordination Training: Helps improve knee stability.
• Non-Surgical Rehab or Post-Surgery Recovery: Depending on the severity, therapy can either prevent surgery or aid in recovery.

Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, pressing on nearby nerves.
Symptoms:

Back or neck pain

Numbness or tingling in arms or legs

Weakness in the affected limb

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or tight muscles.
Symptoms:

Sharp pain radiating from the lower back down the leg

Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

Pain worsens with prolonged sitting

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to pressure on the nerves.
Symptoms:

Pain or cramping in the back and legs

Numbness or weakness in extremities

Pain worsens with walking or standing

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Spine

OA occurs when the cartilage between spinal joints wears down, causing pain and stiffness.
Symptoms:

Morning stiffness

Loss of flexibility in the spine

Pain with movement

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the Spine

RA is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the spinal joints, especially in the neck.
Symptoms:

Neck stiffness and pain

Swelling and joint tenderness

Fatigue and generalized body aches

Tennis Shoulder

This condition is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to inflammation of the tendons on the outer elbow. It commonly affects athletes, manual laborers, and those with repetitive hand movements (e.g., typing, painting).

Symptoms:

Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow

Weakened grip strength

Pain worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

This is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner elbow. It results from repetitive wrist and forearm motions, common in golfers, weightlifters, and those using hand tools.
Symptoms:

Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow

Weak grip strength

Pain when making a fist or flexing

Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)

The olecranon bursa is a fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow. It can become inflamed due to trauma, prolonged pressure, or infection.
Symptoms:

Swelling and redness at the back of the elbow

Pain when leaning on the elbow

Limited range of motion if severe

Elbow Fractures & Dislocations

Fractures or dislocations often occur from falls, sports injuries, or direct impact to the elbow.
Symptoms:

Severe pain and swelling

Deformity or difficulty moving the elbow

Numbness or tingling (if nerves are affected)

Hip Osteoarthritis (OA)

Hip OA is the degeneration of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain and stiffness. It is common in older adults and those with a history of hip injuries.
Symptoms:

Deep aching pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock

Stiffness, especially after inactivity

Reduced hip flexibility and difficulty walking

Hip Bursitis 

Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint) due to overuse, prolonged pressure, or trauma.
Symptoms:

Sharp pain on the outer hip that worsens with movement

Tenderness when pressing on the hip

Pain when lying on the affected side

Hip Labral 

The labrum is a cartilage ring that stabilizes the hip joint. A tear can occur due to sports, trauma, or structural issues.

Symptoms:

Deep groin pain or pain in the hip joint

Clicking, locking, or catching sensations

Hip stiffness and limited range of motion

Hip Fractures 

Common in older adults due to falls or osteoporosis, or from high-impact injuries.
Symptoms:

Severe pain in the hip or groin

Inability to bear weight on the affected leg

Swelling, bruising, or deformity

Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement - FAI)

Occurs when bone overgrowth (extra bone spurs) leads to friction between the hip bones, causing pain and stiffness.
Symptoms:

Pain in the groin or front of the hip

Stiffness or restricted hip movement

Pain worsens with prolonged sitting or activity

Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)

A degenerative condition where the cartilage in the knee wears down, leading to pain and stiffness.
Symptoms:

Pain, especially with movement

Stiffness, especially in the morning

Swelling and difficulty bending or straightening the knee

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

Pain around the kneecap due to improper tracking of the patella (knee cap).
Symptoms:

Pain when climbing stairs, squatting, or sitting for long periods

Cracking or popping sounds in the knee

Ligament Injuries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL Tears)

Ligaments (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL) provide stability. Injuries occur from sudden stops, changes in direction, or direct impact.
Symptoms:

Swelling, instability, and difficulty bearing weight

Popping sensation at the time of injury (especially with ACL tears)

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the knee. Tears can occur from twisting motions or sudden movements.
Symptoms:

Pain, swelling, and stiffness

Locking or catching of the knee

Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper’s Knee)

Inflammation of the patellar tendon, common in athletes who perform frequent jumping.
Symptoms:

Pain and tenderness below the kneecap

Pain with jumping, running, or kneeling

Ankle Sprains

A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are stretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or misstep.
Symptoms:

Swelling and bruising

Pain and tenderness, especially when bearing weight

Instability or weakness in the ankle

Achilles Tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, often caused by overuse, repetitive strain, or improper footwear.
Symptoms:

Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel

Worsening pain with activity

Swelling and tenderness along the tendon

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue under the foot, leading to heel pain.
Symptoms:

Sharp heel pain, especially in the morning

Pain after prolonged standing or walking

Ankle Fractures

Breaks in the ankle bones due to falls, sports injuries, or trauma.
Symptoms:

Severe pain, swelling, and bruising

Inability to bear weight

Possible deformity if the fracture is severe

Chronic Ankle Instability

Repeated sprains or ligament damage can lead to weak ankles, increasing the risk of further injury.
Symptoms:

Frequent "rolling" of the ankle

Persistent pain and swelling

Feeling of instability, especially on uneven surfaces

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Common symptoms include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand, especially in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Symptoms often worsen at night or with repetitive hand movements.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling near the base of the thumb. Patients may feel discomfort when gripping, twisting, or making a fist, and may notice tenderness or a catching sensation.

Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn, usually due to a fall or sudden force. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the wrist, particularly with gripping or bearing weight.

Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)
This condition involves inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath, causing one or more fingers to catch or lock when bent. It may start with stiffness or clicking, and can progress to painful locking of the affected finger in a bent position.

Scaphoid Fracture
A scaphoid fracture is a break in one of the small bones in the wrist, typically caused by falling on an outstretched hand. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the thumb side of the wrist, swelling, and reduced grip strength.

Arthritis of the Hand/Wrist
Arthritis in the hand or wrist—commonly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis—leads to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can affect function and grip strength, and symptoms often worsen with activity or in the morning.

Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump that typically forms on the back or front of the wrist. While often painless, it can cause discomfort, pressure, or limited motion—especially if it presses on nearby nerves. The size may fluctuate with activity or rest.

Tendonitis (Wrist Flexor or Extensor Tendonitis)
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the wrist tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive motion. It leads to localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, especially with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement. It commonly affects athletes, office workers, or anyone doing repetitive hand tasks.