Frequently Asked Questions

Many headaches can be due to a problem in your neck. A physio assessment can help identify if this is the case with you. Often you will have pain and stiffness in the upper joints of the neck and restricted neck movement. Make sure your GP rules out more serious causes of headache first. A gradually worsening headache or a sudden severe headache needs medical assessment.

The majority of low back problems are due to a mechanical problem in your back. Usually these respond very well to physiotherapy. Medication and spinal injections have not been shown to alter the long term outcome for back pain sufferers. Only a very small number of people will benefit from surgery.

First apply the RICER regime for 48 hours (see our related article) and then commence physiotherapy. Early intervention will lead to a better, quicker recovery.

A graduated exercise program to strengthen the tendon and its associated muscle is thought to be the best approach at present. A physiotherapist can set up a strengthening program suited to your needs.

Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve posture. Sometimes a postural support brace can be used for short periods to re-educate you to keep your body in a corrected position. The brace can often alleviate pain if you have to sit or stand for long periods and find this brings on pain.

If your hip muscles are not working optimally, your legs may not function properly. This can overload the knees and other structure in your legs. Strengthening you hip muscles can reduce this abnormal loading and help your knee problem.

There are specific muscles in your trunk and neck that help maintain your spine in an optimal position whilst you go about your daily activities. If these muscles are not working correctly, the spine may move or be positioned inappropriately. A physiotherapist can assess your core stability and show you how to improve it with specific exercises.