Acute pain
Pain that comes on recently and is usually short-lived, often after an injury or strain. It typically settles as the tissue heals.
Adhesive capsulitis
The medical name for frozen shoulder — a painful, progressive stiffening of the shoulder joint capsule that usually recovers over time.
Learn moreArthritis
Inflammation or wear of a joint causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) is the most common type.
Learn moreBiomechanics
The study of how the body moves — how muscles, bones and joints work together to produce movement and manage load.
Cartilage
Smooth, cushioning tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing them to glide with little friction.
Cervical spine
The neck portion of the spine — seven vertebrae that support the head and allow it to move.
Learn moreChronic pain
Pain that persists beyond normal healing time (usually more than three months). It often needs a broader management approach than acute pain.
Core stability
The ability of the deep trunk muscles to support and control the spine and pelvis during movement.
Dry needling
A technique where a physiotherapist inserts a fine needle into a tight muscle 'trigger point' to reduce tension and pain.
Ergonomics
Designing your workspace and habits — desk, chair, screen height — so your body is supported and strain is minimised.
Frozen shoulder
A condition where the shoulder becomes painful and stiff, then slowly recovers over months. Physiotherapy speeds up recovery.
Learn moreGait
Your pattern of walking. Analysing gait helps physiotherapists spot problems in the feet, knees, hips or balance.
Herniated disc
When the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes out through its outer layer, sometimes pressing on a nerve and causing back or leg pain.
Learn moreHypermobility
Joints that move beyond the normal range. It can be harmless, but sometimes leads to pain and needs strengthening for support.
Inflammation
The body's natural response to injury — warmth, swelling and tenderness — that is part of early healing.
Ligament
A tough band of tissue that connects bone to bone and stabilises a joint. Sprains are ligament injuries.
Manual therapy
Hands-on techniques — such as joint mobilisation and soft-tissue work — used by physiotherapists to reduce pain and improve movement.
Mobility
How freely a joint or the body can move through its range. Mobility work keeps joints supple and healthy.
Neuroplasticity
The brain's ability to rewire and relearn — the basis of recovery after a stroke or brain injury.
Learn moreOsteoarthritis
The most common form of arthritis, caused by gradual wear of joint cartilage with age or overuse.
Learn moreOsteoporosis
A condition where bones become weaker and more fragile, increasing fracture risk. Weight-bearing exercise helps protect bone.
Physiotherapy
A healthcare profession that restores movement and function through exercise, hands-on treatment, and education — without medication or surgery.
Plantar fascia
The thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot. When irritated it causes plantar fasciitis (heel pain).
Learn morePosture
How you hold your body when sitting, standing or moving. Varied, balanced posture is healthier than any single 'perfect' position.
Range of motion
The full distance and direction a joint can move. Restoring range of motion is a common rehab goal.
Rehabilitation
The process of restoring strength, movement and function after injury, surgery or illness through a structured program.
RICE
A first-aid approach for minor injuries — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation — used in the early stage before guided rehab.
Sciatica
Pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.
Learn moreSpondylosis
Age-related wear of the spine's joints and discs. In the neck it's called cervical spondylosis.
Learn moreSprain
An injury to a ligament — the tissue connecting bones — usually from a sudden twist or overstretch.
Strain
An injury to a muscle or tendon from overstretching or overloading, commonly called a 'pulled muscle'.
Tendinopathy
Pain and reduced function in a tendon from overload — such as tennis elbow. Gradual strengthening is the main treatment.
Learn moreTendon
A strong cord that attaches muscle to bone. Overuse can cause tendinopathy, a painful tendon condition.
Trigger point
A tight, tender 'knot' within a muscle that can cause local or referred pain.
Ultrasound therapy
A treatment using sound waves to generate gentle warmth in deep tissues, sometimes used to ease pain and aid healing.