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.