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Improve mobility and manage pain with our specialised musculoskeletal physiotherapy services in Sydney. Book your session now. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation after surgery, sports injuries, and chronic pain conditions, aiming to restore patients' quality of life through targeted and effective treatments. What Is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy? Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and bones. It involves restoring optimal function and mobility, reducing pain, and promoting overall physical health. This specialised branch of physiotherapy employs evidence-based techniques such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and patient education. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists work closely with patients to develop tailored treatment plans that address specific needs and goals, whether recovering from injury, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, or rehabilitating after surgery. This approach aims to improve quality of life by enhancing movement, strength, and flexibility, empowering individuals to achieve long-term physical well-being. How Is It Different From Other Treatment Techniques Unlike general physiotherapy, which may cover a broader spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, it focuses exclusively on sports injuries, orthopaedic rehabilitation, and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. It uses specialised assessment techniques and treatment plans designed for these specific needs. Its goal is to restore function, pain relief, and enhance mobility using proven therapeutic approaches Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Bondi Junction BOOK YOUR INITIAL SESSION HERE Benefits of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Musculoskeletal physiotherapy provides several key benefits to patients: Enhanced Mobility: Musculoskeletal physiotherapy helps improve mobility, allowing individuals to regain movement and flexibility crucial for daily activities and overall well-being. Pain Reduction: Through targeted interventions such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy effectively provides relief, enhancing comfort and pain management. Rehabilitation Support: It supports rehabilitation after injuries or surgeries, promoting faster recovery and minimising complications. Injury Prevention: Physiotherapy educates patients on injury prevention strategies, contributing to long-term musculoskeletal health. Customised Care: By tailoring treatment plans to individual needs, musculoskeletal physiotherapy ensures comprehensive care that addresses specific health goals and improves overall physical function. Our Approach To The Treatment Our approach to musculoskeletal physiotherapy involves a systematic process tailored to each patient's specific condition and needs. We begin with a detailed assessment to understand the extent of the musculoskeletal issue and its impact on the patient's daily life. Based on this assessment, we develop a personalised treatment plan that may include manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to alleviate pain and improve mobility. We also prescribe therapeutic exercises aimed at strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring normal movement patterns. Throughout the treatment process, we focus on empowering patients with education about their condition and self-management strategies to enhance the long-term recovery process and prevent the recurrence of injuries. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that promotes optimal musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. Why Choose Us for Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy? Expertise in Evidence-Based Practices: Our team employs scientifically validated techniques and treatments, ensuring effectiveness and safety in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Personalised Treatment Plans: We create individualised plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and goals, ensuring targeted and effective rehabilitation. Advanced Manual Therapy Techniques: Utilising techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue manipulation, we aim to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall function. Specialised Exercise Prescription: We prescribe tailored exercises designed to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns, supporting comprehensive rehabilitation. Patient-Centred Approach: Our focus is on empowering patients through education and involvement in their treatment, promoting active participation and long-term management of their condition. Commitment to Quality Care: We are dedicated to delivering high standards of care, prioritising patient well-being, and striving for optimal outcomes in musculoskeletal health. Contact Our Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Today Contact our musculoskeletal physiotherapist today to begin your journey towards improved mobility and reduced pain. Whether you're recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition, our focus is on providing effective therapies and empowering you with the tools to enhance your musculoskeletal health. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active life.

Contact Physio K, your trusted physio in Sydney. Book an appointment today at our Bondi Junction clinic for expert physiotherapy care. Contact Us For An Appointment Our treatment rooms are private, spacious and sparkling clean. It is a comfortable and inviting space, accessible via a lift on level 8 of 3 Waverley Street. You will find convenient and free (up to 2 hours) parking in Westfields which means you won’t have to walk too far to find us from your parking spot. We are also walking distance to buses and Bondi Junction train station. Address: Suite 801/3 Waverley St Bondi Junction NSW 2022 in the Park Place Building . Phone: 02 7902 1408 Send us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly. Name Email Phone number Your message Send Thanks for submitting!

Experience our effective post-operative rehabilitation in Bondi Junction. Book your appointment online today to alleviate pain for improved healing. Post-operative rehabilitation plays a crucial role in facilitating recovery following surgical procedures. The goal is to enhance recovery outcomes, regain strength and range of motion, restore physical function, and facilitate a safe return to daily activities and optimal function. Post-Surgery Rehabilitation In The Bondi Junction Suburbs To recover strength, flexibility, and functional fitness following orthopaedic surgeries, a specialised physiotherapy treatment is crucial. A personalised treatment plan will be provided to promote optimal recovery and prevent future compensation issues. What Is Post-Surgery Rehabilitation? Post-surgery rehabilitation is a specialised form of physiotherapy aimed at aiding recovery and restoring function after surgical procedures. It focuses on pain management, improving mobility, and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients post-operation. This rehabilitation typically involves tailored treatment plans that may include exercises, manual therapy, and therapeutic modalities specific to the type of surgery and individual patient needs. Post Operative Rehabilitation Bondi Junction BOOK YOUR INITIAL SESSION HERE Why Post-Operative Rehabilitation Is Important? The post-operative rehabilitation process is crucial for several reasons: Optimising Recovery: It helps patients recover faster by promoting healing and reducing complications associated with surgery. Restoring Functionality: Rehabilitation programmes focus on restoring mobility, strength, and flexibility that may be lost or impaired due to surgery. Preventing Complications: It reduces the risk of post-surgical complications such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and blood clots through targeted exercises and therapies. Improving Quality of Life: To enhance physical function and reduce pain, rehabilitation improves the overall quality of life for patients post-surgery. Facilitating Return to Normal Activities: It prepares patients to safely resume daily activities, work, and hobbies, promoting independence and confidence. Addressing Specific Needs: Tailored rehabilitation plans address the unique needs of each patient based on their surgery type, health condition, and recovery goals. These points underscore the importance of post-operative rehabilitation in ensuring a comprehensive healing process and long-term well-being for surgical patients. Post-Operative Physiotherapies That We Offer We offer a comprehensive range of post-operative physiotherapies tailored to specific surgical procedures: Neck and Back Physio: Designed for patients recovering from surgeries such as laminectomy, discectomy, spinal fusion, or scoliosis surgery, focusing on pain management, mobility restoration, and strengthening exercises for the spine Shoulder Physio: Targeted rehabilitation following procedures like rotator cuff surgery, shoulder reconstructions, SLAP tear repairs, and frozen shoulder surgery. Therapy aims to improve the range of motion, strength, and shoulder joint function. Elbow Physio: Includes treatments post-tennis elbow or golfer's elbow release, fractures, or immobilisation, focusing on restoring elbow function through exercises and manual therapy. Hand and Wrist Physio: Tailored for patients recovering from surgeries such as carpal tunnel release, tendon repairs, or fractures, with emphasis on restoring hand and wrist mobility, strength, and fine motor skills. Hip Physio: Rehabilitation following arthroscopy, total or partial hip replacement (THP/PHR), labral tear surgery, or hip fracture repair, focusing on gait training, hip strength, and mobility exercises. Knee Physio: Includes treatments post-meniscectomy, total or partial knee replacements, ligament surgeries (ACL, MCL, LCL, PCL), arthroscopy, fractures, or immobilisation, aiming to restore knee range of motion, strength, and stability. Ankle and Foot Physio: Rehabilitation following surgeries like arthroscopy, ligament and tendon repairs, sports injury surgery, or plantar fasciitis release. Therapy focuses on restoring ankle and foot function, stability, and mobility. Muscle Strength and Tendon Repairs: Tailored rehabilitation programs post-surgical repairs of muscles and tendons, focusing on gradual strengthening, flexibility, and functional restoration specific to the affected area. These specialised physiotherapies are essential in promoting optimal recovery, reducing post-operative complications, and restoring patients' functional abilities following orthopaedic and sports surgeries. What To Expect In A Post-Operative Rehabilitation In a post-operative rehabilitation at Physio K, patients can expect the following: Explanation of Precautions and Exercises: Our physiotherapists will discuss the specific precautions and limitations associated with your surgery. They will prescribe targeted exercises tailored to your surgical procedure and individual needs. Progress Monitoring and Guidance: Our team will closely monitor your progress throughout the recovery process. They will provide ongoing guidance and support to ensure that you are achieving milestones and recovering effectively. Individualised Treatment Approach: You will receive a personalised rehab program designed to address your unique recovery goals. Contact Our Physiotherapists For An Appointment Feel free to contact our physiotherapist to schedule an appointment or inquire about your rehabilitation or treatment plan. We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your recovery journey.

Looking for a physio in Sydney? Physio K offers expert, hands-on treatment from our Bondi Junction clinic. We help you find the cause and treat it properly. Physiotherapy Sydney Get results-driven physiotherapy trusted by patients across Sydney. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Physiotherapist Sydney Our Physiotherapy Process When you visit Physio K, you’re in safe hands. We combine deep clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to getting you better. We take the time to understand your situation and build a treatment plan around your needs. FIND THE PROBLEM We dig into the diagnosis. We apply anatomy, clinical reasoning, and experience to uncover the actual cause of your pain. TREAT THE CAUSE We don’t chase symptoms. We treat what’s driving the issue. And we support you with a plan that helps you stay on track for the long run. INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES We blend traditional hands-on manual therapy with dry needling and other advanced techniques to get you the best result. Physiotherapy Treatments Available at Our Sydney Clinic At Physio K, we provide hands-on physiotherapy backed by deep clinical experience and real results. Each treatment is tailored to your needs — whether you're dealing with an injury, recovering from surgery, or managing long-term pain. Patients from across Sydney visit our Bondi Junction clinic for the quality of care and the outcomes we deliver. OUR SERVICES QUALITY TREATMENT At Physio K, we have a simple but fundamental philosophy; to provide you with the very best of care. The aim is to give you elite level treatment in a professional and welcoming environment. We tailor all treatments to your individual needs and pride ourselves on a high level of care, a wealth of knowledge and quality results without overtreatment. Read More SPORTS AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE Massage is more than just muscle relief — it’s part of an integrated treatment plan. We use sports and remedial massage alongside other techniques to improve movement, release tight areas, and support injury recovery. Ideal for active people, athletes, and anyone with chronic tightness. MANUAL THERAPY Our team uses expert knowledge of the musculoskeletal system to deliver effective hands-on treatment. Manual therapy is paired with targeted exercises to relieve pain and help you move better, whether it's back pain, joint restriction, or a long-term issue that's been holding you back. Read More HOLISTIC TREATMENT We don’t see symptoms in isolation. We take a whole-body view, looking at movement, posture, habits, and other health factors. If your pain has been hanging around or keeps coming back, our holistic approach helps uncover and treat the deeper cause. DRY NEEDLING Dry needling is one of the many tools we use to get results. It's designed to release trigger points, reduce muscle tension, and improve function. Our clinicians also teach dry needling at a global level, so you're in highly skilled hands. Read More POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION TREATMENT If you’ve had orthopaedic surgery, rehab is key to getting your full strength and mobility back. We offer structured physiotherapy to help you recover well, move confidently, and avoid future compensation patterns. Every rehab plan is customised and guided by experience. Did you know... Using our HICAPS system, we can swipe your health fund card at the time of your appointment. This means you only have to pay the gap and won't have to make any further claims to your health fund. Contact We’re here for you when you need us! Book in online, call us to schedule an appointment, or send us an email and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Contact Us Address Contact Opening Hours Suite 801 / 3 Waverley St, Bondi Junction NSW 2022 02 7902 1408 info@physiok.com.au Mon - Thur 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Fri 7:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sunday Closed

Looking for a trusted physio in Sydney near Bondi Junction? Physio K provides expert care for lasting relief and better well-being. Book today! All Insurance Providers Accepted All Health Funds Accepted

Learn more about our dedicated team of expert physiotherapists in Bondi Junction, specialising in sports rehabilitation and more. MEET OUR TEAM Mark Howlin MARK HOWLIN | PHYSIOTHERAPIST | DRY NEEDLING | SPORTS INJURY | POST-OPERATIVE | CHRONIC PAIN Read More Josefina Canepa Bustos JOSEFINA CÀNEPA BUSTOS | PHYSIOTHERAPIST | OVERUSE INJURY REHABILITATION | MUSCULOSKELETAL & SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR YOUNG ATHLETES | MANUAL THERAPY | DRY NEEDLING Read More Radi Zinger RADI ZINGER | REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST | DIPLOMA OF REMEDIAL MASSAGE, TAFE NSW | AQUA EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR, AT Read More Kenny Merlevede KENNY MERLEVEDE | SENIOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST | FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF PHYSIO K | PASSIONATE AND DRIVEN PHYSIOTHERAPIST WITH OVER 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONER ACROSS PHYSIOTHERAPY, MANUAL THERAPY AND SPORTS REHABILITATION. Read More

Get comprehensive care for movement system injuries with Physio in Sydney. Physio K Bondi Junction helps you recover with expert physiotherapy. INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Bondi Junction, Eastern suburbs Physiotherapy Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Back Pain Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Elbow Pain Headaches Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Plantar Fasciitis Posture And Alignment Problems Sports Injuries Ankle Sprains Bursitis Dizziness Or Vertigo Hamstring Injuries Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Meniscus Injury Osteoarthritis Post Operative Rehabilitation Shoulder Pain Sprains, Strains And Tears

Back Pain INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Back Pain The spine is usually described by dividing it into 3 major sections: the cervical spine (the neck), the thoracic spine (the mid or upper back), and the lumbar spine (the lower back). Below the lumbar spine, we can find the pelvis. This complex structure is an interconnected complex of bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia, and all of these can become damaged and cause pain, neurological symptoms or cause a loss of mobility. Check the links below to find more information about: lower back and lower back pain You can also find more detailed information regarding disc bulges and sciatica Or more information about neck pain In this section, we’ll talk about the middle of the back, or the thoracic spine. UPPER BACK PAIN TREATMENT "Most problems in the middle part of the back are caused by repetitive movements." Many times it’s a classic example of small things that build up and generate problems over time. Heavy labour or lifting together with a rotation can cause pain or stiffness locally. Sometimes the pain can refer to the side of the chest or to the front, around the sternum or chest bone. Many people confuse rib stiffness with a heart issue. When the joint between the rib and the vertebrae gets stiff, it can cause local and referred pain until the chest, hence the thought of heart problems. At Physio K, we deal with these problems on a weekly basis and most of the time, we can get you up and running within a few sessions. We first make an accurate diagnosis and based on that, we’ll combine hands on manual treatment with specific home exercises to get your back functioning again asap. Dry needling can be helpful if the deep thoracic muscles are tight or stiff. We made a few interesting videos, 3 of these 4 videos will focus on increasing the mobility of the mid back, as this is often a rigid and stiffer area with many people. The more mobility you have in the mid back, the better for the neck and shoulders. Many shoulder problems occur because of rigidity in this area, so these exercises can help as prevention for shoulder problems as well. Please always check with your physio to know which exercises will be helpful for you. These videos are here as a guide and will contribute to your rehab, in addition to some specific manual treatment. Sometimes you'll need a different approach, so always contact your health practitioner to get the best recommendation for you. Watch them: Middle back mobility exercises In the above video, Kenny from Physio K runs you through some exercises to improve your thoracic spine mobility, which is the mobility of your mid back. They are good to increase the movement in that area but also to prevent issues in your neck and your shoulders down the track. 1. Cat-cow exercise Starting on all fours position. You can do this on the floor on a mat. Make sure your hips are above your knees and your hands are under your shoulders. Start with tilting the pelvis. The pelvis is the part that's just below your lower back, so you can tilt this forward and backwards. Focus on the middle back, so when you tilt your pelvis forward, you'll push the middle of your back down and you look up towards the ceiling.Then you’ll change the direction, tilting your pelvis backwards and push the midpoint of your mid back up towards the ceiling and you'll look down. Do this for about a minute: 20 to 30 times and if possible multiple times a day. 2. Threading the needle or thoracic rotations In the same position as exercise 1, try to rotate your arm as far as you can and look at your hand while you do this, then come back to the beginning position and switch sides. Do this for about a minute: 20 to 30 times and if possible multiple times a day. Try not to force this exercise. These two exercises are the best ones to increase your thoracic mobility. Try to do them as much as you can, frequently during the day. Thoracic kyphosis exercises: strengthening and mobility for the mid back In the above video, Kenny from Physio K shows you some exercises to improve thoracic mobility, which is the mobility in the middle of your back. These are especially good if you have a big thoracic kyphosis, which is a big forward bend in the middle of your back, and also if you have stiffness in that area. These exercises will improve your mobility and will also be good for strengthening. 1. Cat cow exercise On your hands and knees, in all four position, making sure that your hips are above your knees and your hands are underneath your shoulders. Try to tilt your pelvis forward and backwards. We're going to focus on the middle back, so when you tilt your pelvis forward, you'll push the middle of your back down and you look up towards the ceiling.Then you’ll change the direction, tilting your pelvis backwards and push the midpoint of your mid back up towards the ceiling and you'll look down. Do this for about a minute: 20 to 30 times and if possible multiple times a day. 2. Prone lateral raise Lay on your tummy and have your arms at 90˚ abduction. Try to lift your arms up and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for about 10 seconds and then go down again and you can rest your arms on the floor. Try to do this for about 20 times and if possible 3 sets. If this is too easy without any weights, you can use small weights in each hand, you can go from 1 kilo, I wouldn't go too high, we're focusing on endurance. Make sure you focus on squeezing your shoulder blades. 3. Front raise thumbs up Laying on your tummy on a mat, keep your forehead on a small towel and raise your arms forward. Make sure that your thumbs are up towards the ceiling. Lift up your arms without bending your elbows. Hold that for five seconds and then go down again. This is a tough one. Do this one about 10 to 15 times and if possible 3 sets. If it would be too easy, you can use some weights as well, about one to three kilograms in each hand. Mid Back mobility: progression In the above video, Anthony from Physio K runs you through a couple of exercises that are great for improving your mid-back mobility. 1. Bow and arrow Laying on your back, you're going to have both of your arms in front of you and both of your knees bent. Your hands are going to be together out in front of you. Now, just as if you were drawing a bow and arrow, you're going to pull one arm back, bending your elbow all the way across your body. Now the goal of this exercise is to touch the ground. But if you can't get there at the start, don't worry about it, bit by bit as you start to improve you'll notice that you can make it further and further closer towards the ground. For these exercises, we generally recommend that you do 10 each side and you repeat them three times a day. 2. Book opener In the exact same position as the previous exercise with knees bent and hands together, you're going to open up, keeping your elbow straight this time, opening up all the way, reaching for the roof and coming straight back down again. Like the previous one, the goal is to touch the floor on both sides at the same time. But if you don't get there at the start, don't worry about it. We're going to go for 3 sets of 10 for those exercises. 3. Windmill In the same starting position, try to reach up above your head, trying to drag your hand all the way across. Try to keep your hand in contact with the ground as you do this. It's important to remember for all of these exercises that your head follows your hand everywhere it goes. 4. Variation of the world's greatest stretch. For this one, you're going to be up on your hands and knees. The goal for this to start off, is having your hips and your shoulders square with your body then reaching with your right hand, you're going to come underneath your body, going as far as you can, and then opening straight up towards the roof and coming down again. For this one here, we're looking at doing three sets of ten on both sides. Foam rolling for the mid back In the above video, Kenny from Physio K shows you a few things to increase the mobility of your mid-back , which is your thoracic spine. They will both include a foam roller. 1. Foam rolling your upper back (mid back) For the first one, try to just lay on your back, with your upper back on a foam roller. Try to cross your arms over your chest, lift up your hips and gently roll up and down on the foam roller. Don't go too fast, you won't have any benefits if you go too fast. Try to do that for about two to three minutes. 2. Breathing on the foam roller We are laying on the foam roller in a very similar position as exercise 1. Just try and relax your hips down on the floor and then put your arms over your head, and just try to relax in this position and just try to breathe. Take a few deep breaths in and out, and after that, you can try and move a little bit up or down on the foam roller. These two are really good to increase your mobility in your upper back.

Plantar Fasciitis INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Plantar Fasciitis Technically, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick sheet of connective tissue at the bottom of the foot. However, this diagnosis is frequently given to any number of conditions causing pain around the heel or at the foot sole. This pain is often concentrated near the heel and is often worse when getting up in the morning and at night. "The conventional view of plantar fasciitis is that it is caused by tightness in the foot as a result of overuse or sometimes due to tight calves." Stretching of these muscles and some foot exercises were traditionally given as a treatment, but this is a very simplistic view. In reality, there are many causes of this condition. Tight calves or stiffness in the achilles tendon could be one of them, but many times the root cause can be a lot higher in the body. Successful treatment of plantar fasciitis must involve a comprehensive biomechanical analysis to determine which factors are contributing to the condition. COMMON PLANTAR FASCIITIS SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS Many times, the reason for this issue is fascia tightness somewhere in the body. There are sheets of fascia (connective tissue) covering, running through, over, under, and around every muscle of the body. There are some sheets that connect various muscles together in series. These are sometimes known as myofascial lines or myofascial meridians. Through these lines, all muscles in the body are connected and a pull in one part of the body can affect other parts as well. One of these lines is intimately involved in plantar fasciitis. It is commonly known as the superficial back line. This line starts at the tips of your toes, runs under your feet, up your calves and hamstrings, up the pelvis and spine, over your neck and head and eventually stops at your eyebrows. Tension or imbalance of this line and its structures can all be transmitted to the bottom of the feet, right through the plantar fascia. Many times, tightness of the lower back is contributing to your plantar fasciitis. Re-balancing and possibly releasing this superficial back line can often resolve plantar fasciitis. Various movement restrictions of the big toe or scar tissue at the bottom of the foot is also a common cause of plantar fasciitis. This is caused by excessive stresses being placed on these tissues. Like most other musculoskeletal problems in the body, plantar fasciitis doesn’t have a single solution that works for everyone. However, using a comprehensive assessment of the body followed by specific soft-tissue release, movement assessment and re-education, some corrective exercises and sometimes orthotics, most cases can be permanently resolved in short order. If you experience pain at the foot sole, don’t endure the pain and definitely don’t let it build up until you have a bigger problem. Sometimes it can be helpful to get insoles by the help of a podiatrist . DOES DRY NEEDLING HELP WITH PLANTAR FASCIITIS? The short answer is, yes. The long answer is, yes, but it depends what is causing your symptoms. Many times, people are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis whenever there is some pain or tightness around the heel or at the bottom of the foot. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have plantar fasciitis. Many times, there is tightness in one of the deeper muscles that bend the toes or is attaching in the foot. As a result, the tendon pulls on the bone and will either cause inflammation or just pain. Releasing the stiffness in the muscles will result in less pressure in the tendon and thus reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Dry needling is an excellent method for releasing the increased tightness in those muscles. To learn more about dry needling, click here . In the video bellow, Kenny from Physio K runs you through a stability exercise program for your ankle and your foot. These are particularly handy after you sprained (or rolled) your ankle or if you have ankle instability. You really should master these ones after an ankle sprain, otherwise you could have an instability for a long time. This exercise program will start off easy and will progress to more difficult exercises. Please always check with your physio to know which exercises will be helpful for you. These videos are here as a guide and will contribute to your rehab, in addition to some specific manual treatment. Sometimes you'll need a different approach, so always contact your health practitioner to get the best recommendation for you. Watch a video on how to get better flexibility in your feet. 1. Standing on one foot That's a very easy exercise. You can do that anytime: when you wait for traffic lights or when you're cooking, just stand on one foot. You can make it a little bit harder if you close your eyes. Doing that will eliminate a part of your balance system, so that will be a little bit harder. Try to do that for a minute or longer, if possible. 2. Standing single leg with movement Bending through your knee, up and down while standing on 1 leg is a very good progression from the first exercise. Next, moving the free leg in different directions can be used to challenge your balance system. Try to do this for a minute each time. 3. Lunges steps (forward and sideways) Take big steps forward and then sideways: lunges. Keep your bodyweight on top of the front foot and try to keep your balance for 3 seconds before switching to the other leg. Try to do 10 repetitions each side, 3 sets. 4. Jumping lunges Big jumps forward and sideways. This is very similar to the previous exercise, only now it requires jumps instead of steps. Start with jumping from 1 leg to the other, then switch to continuously jumping with the same leg. Try to make your foot and leg tired to improve your balance and your stability in your ankle. These exercises are paramount to increase the stability of your foot and ankle. Really try to do them as much as you can, you should do them at least for a few weeks to a few months.

Sprains, Strains And Tears INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Sprains, Strains And Tears Sprains, strains and tears are a hot topic in the physiotherapy world As physiotherapists we come across these types of injuries daily, but what does that mean for you? Keep reading to find out what the differences are between each of these, the physiotherapy treatment involved, and even how to avoid them recurring (or happening at all!) Ligament vs tendon vs muscle Let’s start with muscles. So what are they? Muscles are soft tissues. Many stretchy fibers make up your muscles. You have more than 600 muscles in your body. Different types of muscles have different jobs. Some muscles help you run or jump, others perform delicate tasks like threading a needle. Ligaments and tendons on the other hand, are quite different from muscles and even from each other! Tendons serve the purpose of attaching our muscles to our bones. They act like an anchor for the muscle to the bone. Ligaments attach bone to bone. Now you may think that ligaments are kind of the outlier in this situation. However the example of the calf complex sums it up perfectly! From the outside it looks as though the foot is just attached to the lower leg which naturally becomes the calf. While this is not wrong, what's going on underneath is much more interesting! The Achilles tendon, at the back of your heel, attaches the calf muscles to the calcaneus (heel bone), while a ligament holds the shin and foot bones (tibia and fibula with the talus) together at the ankle joint. So now that we know what’s involved, what happens when something goes wrong? You may often hear people and professionals speak of sprains and tears, but how do we distinguish between them? Sprain VS tear A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Strains and tears can be grouped together. This is because a severe strain is referred to as a tear. Take a look at the table below to see how we can classify these injuries. Grade 1- The signs may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of muscle cramp/tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted. Grade 2- Immediate pain which is more severe than that of grade 1. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle and is usually sore to touch. Grade 3- Quite a serious injury. There is an immediate burning/stabbing pain and the individual is unable to walk without pain. The muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle tissue above a depression where the tear is. Bruising will appear below the injury site. Treatment Treatment of strains and sprains should begin as soon as possible. Many people are familiar with the “RICE” protocol of R est, I ce, C ompression and E levation. Research now suggests that we can do a lot more in the early stages of Injury. See the infographic below for the most effective acute injury management protocol - “Peace & Love”. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a detailed and comprehensive rehabilitation programme individualized to your injury and personal goals. This kind of injury can take time to heal and may change the dynamics of the joint. The degree of sprain will determine the steps you will need to take in the recovery process. As physios, we will work with you to regain strength and mobility in your joint. We will teach you exercises, as well as give you a home exercise program, to prevent the injured joint from becoming stiff. Exercises to build strength and balance (in ankle and knee sprains) will be increased over time until you are back at a pre-injury level of activity. Your physio therapy can help with a return to exercise, sports programs and get the affected joint or muscle even stronger than it was to begin with. If you have suffered repeated sprains or strains (such as an ankle sprain or hamstring strain) or were immobilised for a while as the area healed (like in a boot or cast), physiotherapy will be strongly recommended to reduce the chance of getting injured again. Using an injured muscle or tendon can make your injury heal faster, as long as it's within the parameters set out by our physiotherapists. Exercising strained muscles and tendons may seem counterintuitive but a specific program of gradual strength training actually heals tendons faster. As your body repairs damaged tendons, it lays down fibres of collagen to form a scar, by exposing the scar to mechanical load (resistance exercise) the collagen aligns itself appropriately. Resting completely and avoiding any loading of the damaged tissue causes a phenomenon called ‘collagen disarray’. This essentially means the scar that the body has laid down to repair the tendon is not efficient at transmitting force through the tendon and can increase risk of re-injury, prolonged pain and inflammation. Our physiotherapists will guide you through your muscle or tendon strain rehabilitation with graded exposure to resistance exercise and functional activities to facilitate optimal healing and a return to your best level of function. Prevention Though sprains and strains can happen to anyone, there are a few ways you can reduce the risk of a sprain. These tips include: Avoid exercising or playing sports when tired or in pain. Maintain a healthy weight and well-balanced diet to keep muscles strong. Wear shoes that fit properly and be sure any sports equipment is also fitting well. Practice safety measures to prevent falls. Do stretching exercises daily or prior physiotherapy exercises to maintain strength and balance. Warm up and stretch before doing any physical activity. If you ever are questioning if you have a muscle/tendon strain/tear or a ligament sprain, always consult your physiotherapist. It’s usually a good idea to make sure it’s only a sprain or strain and not a more severe injury. You can also get a treatment plan that will get you up and moving again.

Posture And Alignment Problems INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Posture And Alignment Problems "PERFECT POSTURE DOES NOT EXIST" Let’s start with giving a bit of context around a common misbelief: ‘we should all sit / stand in a certain way’. Everyone is shaped slightly differently due to genetic or anatomic variations. Different forces to our bodies due to sports, hobbies, or jobs that require specific movements or positions that are advantageous to that task will contribute to differences in our individual alignments. This is normal and no one has ‘perfect alignment’ or posture because it doesn’t exist! It is impossible to objectively measure ‘perfect’ posture because there is a lot of normal variation among different individuals. "Posture is the current position in which someone holds their body when standing or sitting" If you don't move for a while, the nervous system will eventually remind you (through some discomfort) that you need to change positions or get moving. Biomechanically speaking, you will probably be able to tolerate certain positions for longer, as the sustained load to specific tissues of the body will be greater in some postures and less in others. But, some tissues may be loaded more in what you might think of as "poor" posture while others may be loaded more in what you think of as "good" posture. Listening to your body and spending more time moving around and switching positions rather than staying in one position for long periods is key to a healthy movement system. Even slight changes make a big difference! Desk neck or tech neck: These terms describe a position where the chin is forward and the upper back is hunched over at a desk, working at a computer. This posture can still occur whether sitting or standing, although it is more common in sitting. This position in itself isn't bad, but sustaining the posture for long periods (such as working at a desk for 9 hours) may load parts of the neck in a way that become irritated as the day goes on. Once the position is changed such as a lunch break or the end of the day, the discomfort usually goes away. However, postures that are repeatedly sustained, say working at a desk for 9 hours a day for 6 months, can actually cause changes in the function of the muscles of the neck. Muscles that are chronically held in a shortened position will become tight and progressively weak, and muscles that are chronically lengthened can also become weak. Slumped positions: Most people will have the slumped sitting or standing position in mind when thinking of ‘bad posture’: Slouched through the lower back, a curved upper back and a forward head posture to try to see what’s ahead of us. To get into a better sitting position, we should start with the base of the spine, which is the pelvis. An anterior tilt of the pelvis will help a lot with correcting everything atop of it. At Physio K, we can teach you how small changes make a big difference! Activity assessment and activity modification Activity assessment and activity modification play crucial roles in helping individuals with pain related to poor posture. Activity assessment involves evaluating a person's daily activities, movement patterns, and postural habits to identify any factors that contribute to their pain. It allows healthcare professionals to pinpoint specific activities or positions that exacerbate the pain and determine the underlying postural imbalances. Based on this assessment, activity modification aims to implement targeted strategies to alleviate pain and improve posture. This may involve teaching proper body mechanics, recommending ergonomic adjustments, suggesting postural exercises, or providing guidance on lifestyle changes. By addressing the root causes of pain and encouraging healthier postural habits, activity assessment and modification can effectively relieve discomfort, enhance overall posture, and promote long-term pain management. In the video below, Anthony from Physio K runs you through a thoracic strengthening program, which is really good for improving your posture. Please always check with your physio to know which exercises will be helpful for you. These videos are here as a guide and will contribute to your rehab, in addition to some specific manual treatment. Sometimes you'll need a different approach, so always contact your health practitioner to get the best recommendation for you. Watch the video about posture correction exercises . 1. Straight arm pull backs For this exercise you'll need to stand up and hold a theraband in either hand and have it attached to something in front of you; ideally a doorknob is really good for this. With both of your elbows extended, keeping them nice and straight. You're going to pull your arms just behind your hips and then slowly come back to the starting position. For this exercise, we recommend that you perform 10 reps and you repeat that for 3 sets. It's also important to make sure that you're squeezing your shoulder blades together really tight, imagining that you're gripping a pencil between them. 2. Vertical row This exercise will be in a similar position, having a theraband attached to a doorknob or something in front of you. You're just going to have your elbows bent and then pull straight back. As you're doing this, remember to squeeze your shoulder blades together nice and tight as if you were gripping a pencil. For this exercise we're looking at repeating 10 times and doing three sets of that. 3. Band pull-aparts Standing up, holding a theraband in your hands, you're going to keep them roughly shoulder width apart and you're going to keep your elbows fully extended. As you do this, you're going to pull them all the way apart, squeezing your shoulder blades together nicely as you do that. For this one, we're looking at performing 10 repetitions and you're going to do three sets. These exercises are great for mid-back strengthening, if you have any other questions please feel free to contact us or come into the clinic for a visit.

Maniscus Injuries Or Meniscus Tear INJURIES AND CONDITIONS WE CAN TREAT At Physio K , all problems of the movement system can be treated. Here are some of the most common injuries or conditions we are qualified to treat: Achilles Tendonitis Ankle Sprains Back Pain Bursitis Disc Bulges, Herniated Discs And Sciatica Dizziness Or Vertigo Elbow Pain Hamstring Injuries Headaches Jaw Problems Or TMJ Issues Lower Back Pain Meniscus Injury Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Plantar Fasciitis Post Operative Rehabilitation Posture And Alignment Problems Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Sprains, Strains And Tears Maniscus Injuries Or Meniscus Tear Meniscal injuries are extremely common. They can occur from any activity where an individual performs a rotary movement, especially when putting full body weight onto the knee. Meniscus lesions account for approximately 15% of all sports injuries. Before we explore the possible causes, treatments and preventative methods for meniscal injuries, it is important to understand the anatomy of the meniscus. The menisci are 2 C-shaped pieces of rubbery cartilage that act as a cushion within the knee. They prevent direct contact between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shinbone). The menisci act as a shock absorber within the knee complex. Meniscus injuries can be from a direct incident (traumatic) or may happen slowly over time (degenerative) . Traumatic meniscal lesions or tears are often caused by the person describing twisting on a semi-flexed limb through a weight bearing knee. Degenerative injuries occur without trauma, are usually seen in elderly people but can occur at any age, and are more common in men! Clinical Presentation So how do physiotherapists assess to see if there is meniscal damage? There are many conservative assessments that can be done in the clinic to assess the likelihood of a meniscal lesion. However, all injuries are different and sometimes it is necessary to have an MRI of the knee to determine whether or not a meniscal lesion of the knee has occurred. On initial assessment your physiotherapist will ask you to relay the events that led to you presenting to the clinic. This will determine the possibility of a meniscal injury and also what type - traumatic or degenerative. Locking of the knee is a very common symptom of a traumatic lesion. Clicking is also a common symptom. With a degenerative lesion, it is more common to see a decrease in tolerance of fully weight bearing on the knee. Activities like walking and squatting become painful. Your physio will then assess your range of movement as well as performing a series of specific clinical movement tests to assess further. Based on your ability and physios findings, together you will set goals and come up with a rehabilitation program that suits you. Types of meniscus lesions Types of tears are split into 3 groups. Have a read of the table below to see how we classify meniscus lesions. The exact type of lesion you have can only be determined through medical imaging. This may guide your rehabilitation and allow for a more accurate prediction of the timeframe that you will require physiotherapy intervention for. Treatment Treatment for meniscal lesions depends on the severity of the lesion, the age of the individual, the location of the tear, the chronicity of the lesion and the level of pain an individual is in. In some cases, surgical repair, such as a full or partial meniscectomy may be necessary. This is only done as a last resort and most surgeons will advise you to try with physiotherapy first. In most cases, it is favourable to stick with a conservative approach and stick with a personalised rehabilitation program. Whichever route you will be required to take, all acute management should begin the same, with “PEACE & LOVE” . This elevated protocol takes the place of the “RICE” protocol by ensuring the best start to your recovery process. Conservative management will consist of: ● Soft tissue work by your physiotherapist ● Quad and hamstring strengthening ● Flexibility / range of motion exercises ● Balance exercises ● Joint mobilisations If your Doctor recommends surgical repair then the return to sports can take longer. You will be required to follow an intensive rehabilitation program and will have to meet certain tests set out by your physio and surgeon. Meniscal injuries are extremely common. This means that any treatment you receive will be based on the best and most up to date current available evidence. Here at Physio K we are committed to providing you with the best service and getting the best results. Book in with us online today!