Head 2 Toe Wellness Solutions
June 6, 2025By 0 comment

The 10 Most Googled Injuries and Conditions Physiotherapists Treat

When it comes to pain, injury, or movement issues, one of the first places people turn to is Google, and often for good reason. Understanding what’s going on with your body is the first step toward recovery. But sometimes, all that information can be overwhelming or even confusing.

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the 10 most commonly searched injuries and conditions people seek physiotherapy for, and how physio can help.

1. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is the number one reason people visit a physiotherapist. Whether it’s due to a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, heavy lifting, or a herniated disc, this kind of pain can be debilitating. Physio can help relieve tension, improve mobility, and strengthen the core to prevent future flare-ups.

2. Knee Pain

From weekend warriors to long-time runners, knee pain is incredibly common. Conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus injuries, ACL tears, and osteoarthritis are frequent culprits. Physiotherapists work on joint alignment, muscle balance, and tailored exercises to reduce pain and support recovery.

3. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

Frozen shoulder typically comes on slowly and worsens over time, limiting shoulder mobility and causing intense discomfort. Physiotherapy focuses on gradually restoring movement through stretching, manual therapy, and strength work, helping you regain function and reduce pain.

4. Tennis Elbow

Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to suffer from this condition. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive movements and overuse of the forearm muscles. Treatment usually includes soft tissue release, dry needling, load management, and strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.

5. Plantar Fasciitis

If you’ve ever felt a stabbing pain in your heel when you take your first steps in the morning, it might be plantar fasciitis. This condition affects the band of tissue under your foot and is especially common in runners, people on their feet all day, or those with poor footwear. Physiotherapy addresses the root cause with stretching, strengthening, and sometimes taping or orthotic support.

6. Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain radiating down the leg, usually caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. It’s often mistaken for back or hip pain, but it has distinct patterns. Physiotherapists can identify the source and use a combination of movement, nerve gliding techniques, and strengthening to reduce nerve irritation and improve comfort.

7. Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilise your shoulder. Injuries here can cause pain with lifting, reaching, or sleeping on your side. Physiotherapy helps with reducing inflammation, restoring strength, and improving shoulder mechanics to avoid future injuries.

8. Ankle Sprains

Twisting your ankle can damage the ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. While many people try to “walk it off,” repeated sprains are common without proper rehab. Physio treatment focuses on restoring strength, balance, and movement, reducing the risk of chronic instability.

9. Neck Pain and Whiplash

Neck pain from poor posture, long hours at a desk, or car accidents is incredibly common. Whiplash in particular can cause long-lasting discomfort. Physiotherapists use a combination of hands-on treatment, ergonomic advice, and mobility exercises to improve posture and reduce stiffness.

10. Hip Pain

Hip pain can be caused by anything from bursitis and labral tears to osteoarthritis. Whether it’s sharp, dull, or nagging, physios are trained to pinpoint the source and develop a tailored plan. Treatment might include joint mobilisation, glute activation, posture correction, and activity modification.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, don’t let Google be your only guide. Physiotherapists are trained to assess the whole picture, not just the symptoms. A tailored plan, built on evidence and experience, can help you feel better faster, and stay better for longer.

Need support? Book a session with one of our experienced physios, we’ll help you connect the dots between how you’re feeling and why.

READ MORE
Back Pain

Pain Shooting Down Your Leg? It Might Be Sciatica, Here’s What to Do

June 6, 2025By 0 comment

Pain Shooting Down Your Leg? It Might Be Sciatica—Here’s What to Do

Do you feel a sharp, shooting pain that starts in your lower back or hip and travels down the back of your leg? You could be dealing with sciatica, a condition that’s often misunderstood and misdiagnosed.

While it can feel alarming, the good news is that sciatica is treatable, and physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage it without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in your body, which runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg.

When something puts pressure on this nerve, it can cause symptoms such as:

  • Shooting or burning pain down the leg
  • Numbness or tingling in the buttock, thigh, or foot
  • Muscle weakness or difficulty walking
  • Pain that worsens when sitting, coughing, or bending

It’s common for people to mistake sciatica for a pulled muscle or hip issue, especially when the pain doesn’t start in the lower back.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The most common causes include:

  • Disc bulges or herniations pressing on the nerve
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Piriformis syndrome (a tight muscle compressing the nerve)
  • Pelvic or postural imbalances
  • Pregnancy-related changes

Sometimes, there’s no clear injury, just a gradual build-up of pressure due to poor posture, prolonged sitting, or muscle weakness.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

At Head2Toe Solutions, our goal isn’t just to mask the pain, it’s to identify the source of the nerve irritation and help you fix it.

Here’s how we treat sciatica with physiotherapy:

🧠 Accurate assessment – We find out what’s really causing the pressure on your sciatic nerve
🙌 Hands-on therapy – To reduce muscle tension and improve spinal mobility
💪 Targeted strengthening – Especially of your core and glutes, to support your spine
📏 Posture and movement coaching – To reduce pressure and prevent flare-ups
🔄 Education – So you understand your body and how to manage symptoms safely

With the right plan, many people start to feel relief within just a few sessions.

What If I Don’t Treat It?

Mild sciatica can settle on its own, but if left untreated, it can become chronic and start to impact your mobility, sleep, and quality of life. It may also lead to ongoing weakness or nerve sensitivity that’s harder to reverse later on.

If you’re unsure whether your pain is sciatica or something else, a physio assessment is the best place to start. We’ll guide you through what’s happening and what you can do about it.

Ready to Move Without Pain?

Sciatica can feel scary, but it doesn’t have to last forever. With expert care, you can get back to sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping comfortably again.

👉 Book a Physiotherapy HERE and let’s find the real source of your pain, so we can help you fix it.

READ MORE
Back Pain

Back Pain Holding You Back?

June 6, 2025By 0 comment

Back Pain Holding You Back? Here’s How Physiotherapy Can Help

Lower back pain is something nearly everyone experiences at some point—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Whether it’s a dull ache from sitting too long or sharp pain that stops you in your tracks, lower back pain is the #1 reason people seek physiotherapy.

The good news? You don’t have to push through or wait it out. With the right treatment plan, recovery is not only possible—it’s within reach.

Why Am I Getting Back Pain?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Back pain can have many causes, including:

  • Poor posture (especially from desk work or screen time)
  • Heavy lifting or awkward movements
  • Weak core or glutes
  • Slipped or bulging discs
  • Degenerative changes (like arthritis)
  • Stress and muscle tension

Sometimes the pain comes on suddenly; other times it builds gradually over weeks or months. What’s important is addressing it early—before it becomes chronic or starts affecting your daily life.

What Can Physiotherapy Do?

Physiotherapy doesn’t just mask the symptoms—it gets to the root cause of your pain. At Head2Toe Solutions, our approach is tailored to your body, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Here’s how we help:

✅ Relieve muscle tension and joint stiffness through hands-on therapy
✅ Improve movement patterns so you’re not stressing the same area again and again
✅ Strengthen your core and stabilising muscles to support your spine
✅ Teach you how to sit, move, lift, and rest in ways that reduce strain
✅ Create a plan to reduce flare-ups and stay active long term

What to Expect in Your First Appointment

Your first physio session isn’t just about treatment—it’s about understanding. We take time to:

🔍 Listen to your symptoms and health history
🧠 Identify any movement habits or muscle imbalances
📋 Explain what’s going on and why
🧩 Design a tailored treatment and rehab plan just for you

You’ll leave with not only relief, but also clarity and confidence in how to move forward.

Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse

Ignoring back pain—or hoping it will just go away—can often make things harder to treat. Early physiotherapy can speed up your recovery, reduce reliance on painkillers, and prevent ongoing issues.

👉 If back pain is holding you back, let’s fix that.
Book a session with one of our experienced physiotherapists and take the first step toward feeling better.

Book with a Physio HERE or call us on 08 9207 1594 to speak to our friendly team.

READ MORE
Shoulder Pain

Frozen Shoulder & Menopause: What’s the Connection?

June 6, 2025By 0 comment

Frozen Shoulder & Menopause: What’s the Connection?

If you’re a woman in your 40s or 50s and you’ve suddenly developed pain and stiffness in your shoulder—often for no clear reason—you’re not alone. Many women going through perimenopause or menopause experience a frustrating condition called frozen shoulder, and hormone changes may be a key part of the puzzle.

Let’s unpack what frozen shoulder is, how it’s linked to menopause, and how physiotherapy can help you recover and regain control.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition where the capsule of the shoulder joint becomes thickened, tight, and inflamed. This leads to:

  • Gradual loss of shoulder movement
  • Persistent stiffness and pain
  • Difficulty sleeping or doing everyday tasks like dressing or reaching overhead

It typically develops in stages and can last 12 to 24 months without treatment.

Why Does It Happen?

While it can result from trauma, surgery, or prolonged immobility, in many cases, frozen shoulder seems to appear out of nowhere. Interestingly, one of the most overlooked risk factors is hormonal change—particularly the changes that happen during perimenopause and menopause.

The Menopause Link

Research has shown that women—especially those aged between 40 and 60—are up to four times more likely than men to develop frozen shoulder. Why?

The answer lies in the hormonal shifts that occur during menopause:

  • Declining oestrogen levels can affect the collagen and connective tissue in joints, making them less flexible and more prone to inflammation.
  • Menopause is also associated with changes in pain sensitivity, circulation, and healing capacity, all of which can contribute to the onset and persistence of frozen shoulder.
  • Some women also experience an autoimmune-like response, where the body’s inflammatory processes become more active, potentially triggering joint capsule inflammation.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you’re in midlife and experiencing:

  • Shoulder pain that gradually worsens
  • A “stuck” feeling when trying to move your arm
  • Trouble sleeping on the affected side
  • Difficulty with bras, clothing, or reaching into cupboards

…it could be frozen shoulder.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

The good news is that you don’t have to wait it out. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in managing frozen shoulder, especially when started early. At Head2Toe Solutions, we combine manual therapy, gentle stretching, targeted strengthening, and education to support you through each stage of the condition.

Our holistic approach also considers other contributing factors like hormonal changes, stress, sleep, and overall joint health.

Need Menopause-Specific Support?

If you’re going through menopause and dealing with unexplained joint or muscle pain—including frozen shoulder—you may benefit from more than just physio. Our menopause specialist pharmacist can help identify the root cause of your symptoms and guide you through lifestyle or treatment options to support healing.

Final Thoughts

Frozen shoulder can feel overwhelming, but you’re not stuck with it forever—and you’re certainly not alone. If you’re in perimenopause or menopause and experiencing shoulder pain or stiffness, don’t ignore it or chalk it up to “just getting older.”

With the right support, recovery is possible.

👉 Book an appointment with our physio to start your recovery today.

READ MORE
Knee Pain

How Physiotherapy Can Help You Avoid Knee Surgery

May 20, 2025By 0 comment

How Physiotherapy Can Help You Avoid Knee Surgery

If you’ve been living with persistent knee pain, you might be wondering:
“Will I need surgery?”

It’s a common concern — and a valid one. Knee pain can be frustrating, limiting and, at times, downright debilitating. Whether it’s from wear and tear (hello, osteoarthritis), an old injury that never fully healed, or something more recent, that pain can start to feel like it’s running the show.

But before you commit to surgery, there’s something important to know:
Physiotherapy might be the game-changer you’re looking for.

💡 The Truth About Knee Pain

Many people are told surgery is the “next step” when conservative treatments haven’t worked. But what if the problem isn’t that treatment didn’t work — it’s that you haven’t had the right treatment yet?

At Head2Toe Solutions, we see countless clients who come in worried that surgery is their only option. After a thorough, personalised assessment, we often discover that several factors — movement habits, muscle imbalances, or lifestyle stressors — are contributing to their pain. Addressing these can significantly reduce or even resolve symptoms without going under the knife.

✅ Why Try Physiotherapy First?

1. Target the Root Cause — Not Just the Symptoms

We don’t just look at your knee — we look at you. How you move, how your body compensates, and how lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, or even past injuries might be influencing your pain. A quality assessment is key.

2. Avoid the Risks of Surgery

Every surgery comes with potential complications — infection, blood clots, long recovery times, and more. If you can avoid it with a non-invasive, low-risk plan? That’s a huge win.

3. Build Strength and Stability

Physiotherapy helps strengthen the muscles that support your knee, improve control, and correct movement patterns — reducing pain and preventing further damage.

4. Personalised, Real-Life Plans

Forget cookie-cutter stretches and generic advice. We tailor every program to suit your life — whether you’re chasing the grandkids, going for walks, or returning to sport.

5. Better Long-Term Outcomes

Research shows that in many cases, physiotherapy outcomes for knee osteoarthritis are just as effective as surgery — and with fewer risks and lower cost. Many people delay surgery or avoid it altogether after targeted physio care.

👂 We Listen. We Treat Differently.

At Head2Toe Solutions, we pride ourselves on a different kind of care:

  • We listen to your story
  • We assess more than just the sore spot
  • We follow up, adjust, and keep you on track
  • We focus on what really matters to you — like being active without fear

If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, don’t decide until you’ve had a proper physiotherapy assessment. You may be surprised at what’s possible when the right plan is in place.

🦵 You Don’t Have to Live in Pain — or Rush to Surgery

Knee pain isn’t always a sign of something “broken” that needs fixing. Sometimes it’s your body asking for support, strength, and better movement.

Let’s work together to help you get back to doing what you love — without surgery.

👉 Book an assessment with our physiotherapy team HERE

We’re here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live without limits.

READ MORE