Dry needling is a commonly used technique in physiotherapy to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. What is Dry Needling?  Dry needling is a treatment where your physiotherapist inserts a fine, sterile needle into specific points in muscles, often referred to as myofascial trigger points or muscle knots. Trigger points are composed of tight contraction knots within the muscle which cause and contribute to pain. These trigger p

Pilates has become one of the most popular forms of exercise for building strength, flexibility, and core control. But when you’re dealing with pain, injury, or a condition like a lumbar disc bulge or herniated disc, not all Pilates is created equal. That’s where  physio-led Pilates  comes in. Physio-led Pilates combines the proven principles of Pilates with the clinical expertise of a physiotherapist—making it a powerful, safe, and targeted rehabilitation tool for people rec

Neck pain is one of those problems that can sneak up on you—starting as a mild stiffness and suddenly turning into a constant ache that affects your sleep, work, and mood. Cervical neck pain (pain originating from the cervical spine, the top part of your spine) is extremely common, especially with modern lifestyles involving long hours at desks, screens, and stress. The good news is that most cervical neck pain responds very well to physiotherapy, and early treatment can ofte

Low back pain is pain that lurks in the area between your ribs and pelvis, and it can sometimes spread into one or both legs. Acute (short-term) low back pain typically improves within 6-12 weeks, and eases within 2 weeks.   Episodes of low back pain can feel alarming, especially when they come on suddenly, but it is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems people experience. Around 80% of people will experience an episode of back pain at some point in their lives.  Th

Common causes of knee pain. The knee is the largest joint in the body. Our knees bear our weight and throughout our life they take the brunt of the wear and tear compared to other joints in the body. It’s no surprise that knee pain is very common and affects people of all ages. There are many factors that can cause knee pain such as arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries such as ACL or MCL tears, Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome - to name a few.  Determining the underlying

Is shoulder pain holding you back? Having trouble in lifting your arm or reaching behind your back? You might be dealing with a common issue known as rotator cuff tendinopathy but good news is, physiotherapy can help you recover and get back to doing your day to day activities without pain. The rotator cuff comprises of four muscles and their tendon that help stabilise shoulder joint and allow for controlled movement of arm. Rotator cuff muscles are Supraspinatus, Infraspi

Thoracic outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders caused by compression of nerves and blood vessels as they travel through thoracic outlet-the narrow space between the collar bone and first rib. There are three main types of thoracic outlet syndrome - Neurogenic, venous and arterial . Neurogenic TOS is most common type and typically shows good improvement with physiotherapy. It involves compression of brachial plexus nerves. Common symptoms of neurogenic TOS is numbness/

A ‘neck crick’ or levator scapulae spasm is one of the most common causes of sudden neck stiffness and pain. If can occur overnight from sleeping in an awkward position, after prolonged sitting at a desk, carrying heavy bags on one shoulder, or during times of stress and tension. The levator scapulae is a muscle that runs from the top of your shoulder blade to the side of your neck, and when it goes into spasm, even small movements like turning your head or looking over your

Do you feel pain or tenderness along the front or inside of your shin when running or walking? You could be dealing with shin splints – a common overuse injury especially in runners, dancers, field sport athletes and those involved in high impact sports. Shin splints, medically known as medial tibial stress syndrome, usually happens when the tissues around the shin bone become irritated from overloading the lower leg muscles and tendons. It can be caused by sudden increase in

Achilles tendon pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It is often linked to a condition called Achilles tendinopathy. The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue that connect your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays an essential role in walking, running, and jumping by helping to spring you forward with each step. Achilles tendinopathy often occurs when the tendon is overloaded, often from sudden increase in activity, repetitiv

Frozen shoulder is a condition in which the capsule around the shoulder joint becomes inflamed, thickens and tightens, causing pain , stiffness and limited range of motion. It typically affects individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 and is more common in women as well as in those with certain health conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or following shoulder surgery or injury. Frozen shoulder can make everyday activities such as getting dressed, reaching overhea

Calf cramps occur when gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the back of lower leg contract on their own without conscious control. This leads the muscle to tighten and become painful. Some common causes of calf cramps include muscle fatigue, dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, as well as poor circulation, nerve compression, biomechanical issues and certain medications or medical conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease. Physiotherapist help by pinpointing the u

Patellofemoral pain syndrome commonly referred as “runner's knee” is a condition marked by pain located around or behind the kneecap. It can affect individuals of any age or activity levels but is especially prevalent among runners, athletes and those who lead active lifestyles. Pain usually intensifies during activities that place stress on the knee joint such as running, squatting, climbing stairs and sitting for long periods. Although there isnt one specific cause of pat

Are you dealing with elbow pain but unsure what’s causing it? You’re not alone. One of the most common causes of elbow pain we see at Dalton Physiotherapy is a condition called tennis elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to get it! It often affects people who use their arms and hands repetitively at work, DIY tasks, gardening or in the lifting in the gym. Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the tendons on the outside of your elbow, where the forearm mus

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and stiffness we see at Dalton Physiotherapy. Whether it’s your knees, hips, hands, or spine, arthritis can make everyday activities more difficult. But the good news is that with the right treatment and movement plan, you can stay active and keep your pain under control.  Arthritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the joints. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoar

Hip pain is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily life. Several factors can lead to hip pain, including lifestyle habits, muscle strains, tendons, particularly gluteal tendinopathy, arthritis, or more complex issues like labral tears. As physiotherapists, our approach to assessing hip pain involves a thorough evaluation of your hip's range of motion, strength, surrounding joints, and specific movements that cause pain. This detailed assessment helps us identi

Knee pain is a common issue that can be quite restricting, impacting daily activities and mobility. Various factors can contribute to knee pain, such as injuries, overuse, arthritis, or issues with the ligaments and tendons. We approach knee pain by conducting a thorough assessment that includes examining your knee's range of motion, strength, stability and taking a look at the surrounding structures/joints to ensure everything is working together properly. This evaluation he

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can significantly impact daily life and mobility, whether it is due to an injury, overuse, or underlying conditions. Understanding what causes shoulder pain is key to effective treatment. Common culprits include rotator cuff injuries, tendons, muscle imbalances, poor posture, or even issues like frozen shoulder. As physiotherapists, we assess shoulder pain by examining range of motion, strength, and any specific movements that trigger disc

Plantar heel pain is a common condition characterised by a sharp pain in the heel of your foot on walking and usually worst after sitting for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis occurs due to micro tears in the plantar facia (a thick ligamentous structure along the bottom of the foot) that can be caused by repetitive strain, overload, poor foot and ankle biomechanics or inappropriate footwear. The plantar facia plays a crucial role in foot biomechanics, providing support

Low back pain is a common issue caused by modern lifestyles, rarely due to serious injury. Low back pain can range from mild or severe and may be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting over 3 months). Through individualised assessment of your joint range of motion, muscle strength, joint and disc integrity, our physiotherapists will treat your symptoms while addressing the root cause of back pain. We are experts in treating acute and chronic back pain, conditions, and dysfunc