Sports &
Personal Injuries

Acute neck pain can occur from a traumatic incident such as a knock during sports or come on suddenly with little warning. It often involves a combination of joint stiffness and muscle spasms, leading to pain and restricted range of motion. In some cases it can also cause referred pain into the shoulder blade, arm, wrist and hand. Physiotherapy helps by identifying the contributing factors and using a combination of hands-on manual therapy, stretches, and exercises to help regain movement, reduce pain, and regain function

Using a mix of joint mobilisation, massage, and appropriate exercises, we can reduce pain from the source and help you regain movement.

Lower back pain is one of the most common issues we treat here at Remuera Physiotherapy. Around 80% of people will have 1 or more episodes of significant lower back pain in their lifetime. It can develop following acute trauma during movement or with prolonged poor posture/positioning. Physiotherapy can help by assessing the area to identify the contributing factors, primarily including joint, muscle, or intervertebral disc

With a combination of manual therapy, movement retraining, education, and exercises, physiotherapy can help alleviate pain, improve movement, and regain function.

Rotator Cuff injury typically presents as sharp pain around the front of the shoulder which worsens when lifting or elevating the arm. The rotator cuff includes a group of muscles that originate from the shoulder blade (scapula) and wrap over the Humerus to create a “cuff” that hold the ball in the socket, but also generates rotation of the shoulder joint. Due to the relative instability of the shoulder joint, the Rotator Cuff is very prone to injury. This can occur with falls, throwing movements, sporting activities and other fast movements, but can also occur with long-term incorrect use through poor posture, weakness, or stiffness.

Physiotherapy can help by assessing the biomechanics fully to help to identify the factors contributing to the ongoing pain and restricted movement and then use exercises and manual therapy to treat these dysfunctional areas. If required, we can also facilitate referrals for Ultrasound scans and X-rays along with onward referral to specialists if required.

Impingement generally occurs due to poor posture or altered movement patterns of the scapula and shoulder. It presents in a similar way to rotator cuff injuries – as pain around the front of the shoulder.

Rehabilitation physiotherapy involves a combination of manual therapy along with appropriate strengthening and stretching to reduce pain, and regain optimal posture, movement, and function.

Shoulder instability typically affects younger individuals (under 27 years old) and can either occur suddenly (often during activities like throwing), or develop gradually due to poor biomechanics. While surgical repair may be necessary in some cases, many instances can be effectively managed without invasive intervention.

Rehabilitation physiotherapy involves progressive strengthening and stability retraining along with appropriate manual therapy to regain function.

Pain on the outer side of the elbow, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain. While tennis is one possible cause, it is more frequently associated with other repetitive activities such as gardening, DIY projects, or work-related tasks.

Tennis Elbow can be easily treated with physiotherapy and targeted exercises to strengthen the affected area and prevent future flare-ups.

Golfer's Elbow is similar to Tennis Elbow but occurs on the inside (medial) aspect of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive strain injury resulting from swinging a golf club, although other activities can also be contributing factors.

The wrist is an intricate part of the body with complex bones, ligaments, meniscus, and tendons. This makes it vulnerable to all sorts of injuries (from falls or sporting trauma) or more slowly over time (repetitive strain and overuse) and requires in depth assessment and diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment is given.

Hip replacement is a common procedure, but still demands careful rehabilitation for the best recovery.

Physio after hip replacement is essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and function. For even better results, you might want to consider working with our physiotherapist hip specialists before surgery – research clearly shows improved outcomes in those cases.

Groin pain is very common in sports that involve kicking (soccer, rugby, Aussie Rules) and often requires work to improve movement patterns though the lumbopelvic region to ensure recovery, sports pain relief, and prevention of future incidents.

This usually involves assessing movement patterns and addressing deficits in strength, control and flexibility as needed.

The labrum is a thin cartilage lining around the hip joint border, which works to deepen the socket and aid joint stability. Injuries can occur during sports, often due to rapid twisting / turning or impact, leading to pain in the front of the hip / groin area.

Through a combination of therapeutic exercises and manual techniques, we can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and optimise overall hip function.

Adductor strain is common amongst sports people, but can also happen with falls or accidents off the sports field.

Injury presents as pain around the inside of the thigh, often with bruising, pain to the touch, and pain with movement.

By using massage, manual therapy, stretching and strengthening, physiotherapy brings sports pain relief, encourages healing, and helps in regaining full function.

Tendinopathy manifests as pain on the outer aspect of the hip region. This type of injury is associated with overuse and is typically felt during activities like walking or running.

Some individuals may experience a ‘warm-up effect’, where the pain eases once they start moving, but returns after cooling down.

Physiotherapy includes a combination of manual therapy, massage, and appropriate exercises to reduce pain and help you return to full, pain-free function.

Knee replacement is an extremely common procedure, but requires post-op rehabilitation for optimal recovery.

Physiotherapy after knee replacements helps achieve optimal strength, flexibility, and function in ways that cannot be achieved without it.

If possible, it is also beneficial to work with your physiotherapist prior to surgery, as evidence clearly shows post operative outcomes are significantly improved in these cases.

Ligament injuries often result from sports-related activities, involving sudden twisting and lurching movements. However, they can also occur in accidents unrelated to sports.

The three main ligaments are the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and the Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL). Injury can range from a minor strain through to a full tear, and require accurate diagnosis to ensure the correct treatment is given.

In every scenario, rehabilitation physiotherapy works to reduce pain and swelling initially. Appropriate strengthening exercises then pave the way for regaining full strength, flexibility, and function so you can make a return to sport.

The meniscus is made of two crescent shaped discs of cartilage on the bottom surface of the knee.

These discs are typically injured in sporting activities that involve weight-bearing rotation including sidestepping, jumping etc.. They often recover with effective rehabilitation, but can require arthroscopy on rare occasions.

Physiotherapy includes a combination of manual therapy, stretching and strengthening to encourage healing of the meniscus. It also works to improve freedom of movement of the joint, correct alignment, control, and stability of the knee. With a completed programme of physio, you can expect to regain full function, including a return to high level activities / sport.

Jumper’s Knee refers to pain originating from the underside of the patella (kneecap) due to alignment issues of the lower limb.

Pain can be effectively managed with appropriate strength and flexibility exercises to correct any imbalances.

Patellar tendon issues are typically related to overuse, and stem from repetitive actions in a sporting or athletic capacity (most commonly running).

Sports injury physiotherapy includes specific exercises to strengthen the tendon, and alignment of the lower limb to alleviate pain.

Swelling and pain around the front of the knee (Osgood-Schlatter) and achilles (Sinding-Larsen-Johansson) occurs most commonly during adolescence, due to the malleability of the bones and tissues.

Physiotherapy works to reduce inflammation and pain using manual therapy and massage. Simultaneously using stretching and strengthening to correct alignment and movement biomechanics, to prevent ongoing aggravation and injury.

One of the most common injuries we see is ankle sprains, ranging from mild strains to multiple ligament ruptures. Effective treatment is crucial not only for regaining full function and control but also for preventing future recurring episodes.

We work with you to strengthen the surrounding muscles and ligaments to encourage complete healing and help prevent further injury.

Achilles tendonitis is characterised by pain in the achilles tendon during walking and running, accompanied by noticeable swelling in the affected area.

Symptoms are often more pronounced in the morning and during the initial steps of movement, gradually improving as the tendon ‘warms up’ with continued use.

With appropriate stretches and targeted strengthening exercises, physiotherapy works to reduce painful symptoms and ensure full healing / recovery of the achilles, to allow for a return to high level sport and activity.

Plantar fasciitis is typically an overuse injury affecting the fascia between the toes and the heel. This results in persistent pain around the base of the foot, particularly near the arch.

Rehabilitation therapy involves targeted work on the fascia along with exercises to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, it works to correct movement patterns, reducing the load on the foot and ankle.