Common Musculoskeletal Conditions by Body Area

• Neck and Spine:

  • Back Pain: This is one of the most frequent reasons people seek physiotherapy. It can range from simple muscle strains to more complex conditions like sciatica, which is pain caused by a trapped nerve in the lower back.

  • Neck Pain: Often related to poor posture, whiplash, or degenerative changes.

  • Slipped Disc (Disc Herniation): When the soft disc between the vertebrae bulges out and puts pressure on a nerve.

• Shoulder and Upper Limbs:

  • Rotator Cuff Injuries: Affecting the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.

  • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): A condition that causes pain and a significant loss of movement in the shoulder joint.

  • Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow: Pain and inflammation in the tendons around the elbow.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition affecting the wrist and hand due to a compressed nerve.

• Hips and Lower Limbs:

  • Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that commonly affects the hips and knees.

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Pain in the heel and arch of the foot, often worse with the first steps in the morning.

  • Achilles Tendinopathy: Pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

  • Joint Sprains and Muscle Strains: Common injuries like a sprained ankle or a pulled hamstring.

* **Post-Operative Rehabilitation:** Assisting patients in regaining strength and function after surgery, such as a **hip or knee replacement**.

• Other Conditions:

  • Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition that causes widespread body pain. Physiotherapists use gentle exercises and education to help manage symptoms.

  • Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Injuries caused by repetitive tasks, often affecting the wrists, hands, and forearms.

  • Postural Problems: Conditions stemming from poor posture at work or home, leading to chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulders.