Foot and ankle pain is common and can have a number of different causes. Some of the conditions we frequently see include Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciopathy, peroneal tendinopathy, ankle sprains and arthritis.

Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment looking at your walking pattern, range of movement, muscle strength and balance — and may also assess more dynamic movements such as jumping or hopping depending on your situation. A tailored treatment and exercise programme will then be prescribed to support your recovery and return to normal activities.

Sciatica describes pain that travels down the leg, caused by irritation or compression of a nerve root in the lower back. The most common cause is a disc-related change, though other factors can also be responsible.

Your physiotherapist will assess your back, leg and nerve function to identify the source of your symptoms. Treatment typically focuses on reducing pain, improving movement and gradually rebuilding strength — alongside advice on managing your symptoms and preventing recurrence.

Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and physiotherapy is a well-evidenced, widely recommended treatment. Causes can include muscle strain, disc changes, joint irritation or posture-related factors — and your physiotherapist will screen for any more serious causes during your assessment.

Treatment may include manual therapy, a tailored exercise programme and education on how to manage and protect your back long-term.

Neck pain is common and can have a number of causes, including muscular or soft tissue tension, joint stiffness, arthritis or posture-related factors. It may also cause headaches or pain that spreads into the shoulder or arm.

Your physiotherapist will assess how your neck is moving, address any stiffness, and check the surrounding muscles and nerves to build a full picture. They will then provide a personalised treatment plan to reduce pain, restore movement and help prevent recurrence.

Tendinopathy refers to pain and reduced function in a tendon — the tissue connecting muscle to bone. Many tendons in the body can be affected, including those around the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle.

Your physiotherapist will assess the affected area and surrounding structures to guide diagnosis. Treatment typically centres on a structured, graded loading programme to gradually rebuild tendon strength and tolerance, alongside hands-on therapy and advice on activity modification.

Knee pain is a very common complaint with a wide range of potential causes. Some of the conditions we frequently see include patellofemoral pain syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, fat pad irritation, ligament injuries and meniscal conditions.

Your physiotherapist will assess the knee and surrounding structures — looking at your strength, range of movement, balance and walking pattern — to identify the cause of your symptoms and guide your treatment plan.

Shoulder pain can present as pain, weakness, stiffness or a feeling of instability, and can have a variety of causes including:

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Shoulder impingement
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Shoulder arthritis
• Shoulder instability

Your physiotherapist will carry out a thorough assessment of the shoulder and surrounding structures to identify the cause and provide a targeted treatment plan to reduce pain and restore strength and movement.

Arthritis is a common condition causing pain, stiffness and swelling in one or more joints. The most common type is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage lining the joint gradually wears down — sometimes causing a grating sensation and bony changes. It most commonly affects the knees, hips and hands, but can develop in any joint.

While there is no cure for arthritis, physiotherapy plays a significant role in managing symptoms. Your physiotherapist will prescribe a tailored exercise programme to strengthen the muscles around affected joints, reduce pain and improve mobility — helping you stay as active and independent as possible.

Muscle, tendon and ligament strains are among the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy. You may experience swelling, bruising or pain around the affected area, and depending on the location, movement and weight-bearing may be difficult. Strains can result from a sudden movement, fall, awkward twist, repetitive activity, or simply from doing more than the body is currently conditioned for.

Your physiotherapist will assess the affected area and surrounding structures, checking for tenderness and testing the strength and function of the muscles and joints involved. From there, an individualised treatment and rehabilitation plan will be developed to support your recovery and get you back to full function.