Extensive subjective/objective assessment aiming to pinpoint the diagnosis. Factors such as age occupation and causative factors are considered. Imaging maybe
helpful but not always essential as the patients presentation is enough to make a diagnosis. Treatment will include one to one manual therapy, research handouts, home exercises and avoidance strategies. The treatment regime is tailored to the patients expectations and life style.
Neck pain into shoulder or arm may have various origins . Sitting postures assessment are useful combined with home exercise to improve mobility and
strength. Manual therapy techniques play an important role combined with massage and postural taping.
Headaches and migraines sometimes but not always originate from the neck. The Dr. Dean Watson(PhD ) approach is used focusing on the upper 3 cervical
vertebra. Trial treatment will determinate if physio is a suitable solution. X-rays are not particularly helpful as age related degenerative changes will be present in most patients over the age of 25.
The assessment will aim to differentiate between neck involvement and balance issues. Home exercises can assist in reducing Vertigo.
Whiplash is not a diagnosis but a description of the cause. Very often related to and Motor Vehicle Accident causing forward, backwards and upwards movement of the neck. About 50%
of patient recovery within weeks requiring no medical intervention. The other 50% may seek medical intervention. X-ray or MRI are unlikely to assist in the diagnosis but an X-ray is useful to exclude a fracture. Manual therapy combined with massage and postural taping may reduce muscle spasm combined with home exercise to increase range of movement and strengthen postural muscles. Assessment of work postures is essential.
Presentation includes pain between shoulder blades aggravated by twisting or deep breathing. Sometimes the patient will describe a day of kayaking or hedge trimming stressing the thoracic spine.
Consideration must be given to non musculoskeletal causes such as heart pain or shingles. Treatment is usually straight forward responding to manual therapy massage and avoidance of twisting.
Differential diagnosis is critical. Assessment aims to differentiate whether the pain source is localised from shoulder or referred from the neck. Shoulder pain can be
rotator cuff (tendinopathy ) or frozen shoulder or a combination of both. Very often the diagnosis will depend on age , occupation or sport preferences. Treatment and management is dictated by the above.
Pain presenting on the outside of elbow sometimes but not always caused by Tennis . The common extensor tendon attached to the bone maybe irritated or torn.
Treatment includes soft tissue massage, ultrasound, taping, a brace may helpful and behaviour modification and specific strengthening exercises.
Located on the inside of the elbow sometimes caused by golf but often by repetitive movements. Treatment includes behavioral modification, soft tissue massage, a brace and strengthening exercises.
as a new mother may complain of pain along the back of the thumb. This could be a tendon issue. The treatment approach will very according to the diagnosis. There are many other causes of wrist pain which may require specialist opinion.
Differential diagnosis is important to exclude spinal referral . X-ray of both hips maybe useful Treatment is strengthening and stretching.
Patients often seek advice to avoid a total knee replacement ( TKR) . An extensive exercise programme is available with a back up reference on this website: mykneeexercise.org.au
Day only rehabilitation facilities are recommended by your surgeon. If not we are happy to recommended somewhere reasonable close.
This is a knee cap tracking problem. In Some cases aggravated by flat feet. Exercises, stretching and orthotics can help. Podiatry referral and assessment is an option .
A simple rolled ankle responds to rest and swelling reduction. If response is slow an x-ray may exclude a fracture or MRI if syndesmosis injury is suspected.
Generally seen in the older patient due to flattening feet. Stretching soft tissue massage and orthotics may help.
Copyright © 2025 Thornleigh Physiotherapy. All Rights Reserved.