Back Pain
Back pain can affect movement, sleep, work, exercise, and everyday activities. Physiotherapy may be appropriate for a range of musculoskeletal presentations, including backache, lower back pain, upper back pain, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, muscle strain, lumbar sprain, spinal stiffness, mechanical back pain, and some disc-related conditions such as a slipped or herniated disc. A physiotherapist can assess movement, strength, flexibility, functional limitations, and factors that may be contributing to symptoms. Depending on the assessment, treatment may include therapeutic exercise, progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, education about activity and movement, and other physiotherapy techniques where clinically appropriate. Treatment is individualized because the cause and presentation of back pain can differ from person to person. Some people may also have symptoms extending into the buttock or leg, which can require assessment for possible nerve involvement or sciatica. A physiotherapy program may include guidance on gradually returning to work, exercise, lifting, or other activities. Back pain can sometimes have causes that require medical assessment rather than physiotherapy alone. Urgent medical attention may be appropriate for new or worsening significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, major trauma, fever, or other serious symptoms. Physiotherapy does not guarantee a particular outcome or recovery time; the treatment plan should be based on individual clinical findings.
Common conditions and related terms
- backache
- lower back pain
- upper back pain
- muscle cramps
- muscle spasms
- muscle strain
- slipped or herniated disc
- disc-related pain
- lumbar sprain
- facet joint pain
- spinal stiffness
- mechanical back pain
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness can make turning the head, working at a computer, driving, sleeping, exercising, or completing daily activities uncomfortable. Common conditions and symptoms that may be assessed in physiotherapy include neck strain, cervical sprain, neck muscle spasm, cervical stiffness, cervical spondylosis, cervical osteoarthritis, whiplash-associated disorder, cervical disc problems, and cervical radiculopathy. A physiotherapist may assess neck movement, strength, posture, upper-back function, activity demands, and symptoms affecting the shoulders or arms. Depending on the findings, care may include therapeutic exercise, mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, education about movement and ergonomics, and hands-on physiotherapy techniques where appropriate. Some neck conditions may also contribute to headaches or pain extending into the shoulder or upper limb. Because similar symptoms can have different causes, an individualized assessment is important. Physiotherapy does not replace medical assessment when symptoms indicate a need for further investigation. Prompt medical assessment may be required after significant trauma or when neck symptoms occur with severe or progressive weakness, significant numbness, fever, or other concerning neurological symptoms. A rehabilitation plan can be adjusted according to the individual's symptoms, physical demands, and progress, without promising a particular recovery time or outcome.
Common conditions and related terms
- neck strain
- cervical sprain
- neck muscle spasm
- cervical stiffness
- cervical spondylosis
- cervical osteoarthritis
- whiplash-associated disorder
- cervical disc problems
- cervical radiculopathy
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can affect reaching, lifting, dressing, sleeping, work, exercise, and recreational activities. Common shoulder conditions that may be assessed in physiotherapy include frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, shoulder dislocation, shoulder instability, rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff tear, shoulder bursitis, biceps tendinopathy, acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury, shoulder arthritis, and subacromial shoulder pain. A physiotherapist can assess shoulder movement, strength, functional limitations, and the contribution of the neck, upper back, and shoulder blade to symptoms. Depending on the clinical findings, treatment may include therapeutic exercise, progressive resistance training, mobility exercises, activity modification, education, and manual techniques where appropriate. Rehabilitation following a dislocation, fracture, significant tendon tear, or surgery should take account of the relevant medical findings and restrictions provided by the treating healthcare team. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee pain relief, avoidance of surgery, or a particular recovery period. Significant trauma, suspected fracture or dislocation, marked loss of function, or new neurological symptoms may require medical assessment.
Common conditions and related terms
- frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- shoulder dislocation
- shoulder instability
- rotator cuff tendinopathy
- rotator cuff tear
- shoulder bursitis
- biceps tendinopathy
- AC joint injury
- shoulder arthritis
- subacromial shoulder pain
Hip Pain
Hip pain may affect walking, stairs, sitting, sleeping, exercise, work, and other daily activities. Common conditions associated with hip pain include hip osteoarthritis, hip arthritis, bursitis, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, gluteal tendinopathy, hip flexor strain, hip muscle strain, hip stiffness, labral injuries, and activity-related hip pain. A physiotherapist may assess hip range of motion, strength, balance, gait, functional movement, and the relationship between the hip, pelvis, lower back, knee, and ankle. Depending on the assessment, treatment may include strengthening exercises, mobility work, education about activity, gradual return to exercise, and manual techniques where appropriate. For people with hip osteoarthritis, exercise may support strength, mobility, and physical function, although individual responses vary. Following a significant fall or injury, medical assessment may be necessary to rule out a fracture or other condition requiring different care. Physiotherapy should not assume that all hip pain has the same cause, and a referral to another healthcare professional may be appropriate when symptoms or examination findings indicate further investigation. Treatment goals may include improving movement, building physical capacity, and supporting participation in appropriate activities. Outcomes vary between individuals, so rehabilitation should be progressed according to clinical findings, response to treatment, and functional goals rather than a promised timeline.
Common conditions and related terms
- hip osteoarthritis
- hip arthritis
- bursitis
- greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- gluteal tendinopathy
- hip flexor strain
- hip muscle strain
- labral injury
- hip stiffness
- activity-related hip pain
Knee Pain
Knee pain can develop after an injury, with repetitive activity, because of muscle or tendon problems, or in association with arthritis. Common knee conditions that may be assessed in physiotherapy include knee osteoarthritis, knee arthritis, runner’s knee, patellofemoral pain syndrome, meniscus injury, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, patellar tendinopathy, knee bursitis, knee strain, and knee stiffness. A physiotherapist can assess knee movement, strength, balance, functional ability, and the contribution of the hip and lower leg to movement. Depending on the findings, treatment may include progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, balance training, movement education, activity modification, and manual physiotherapy techniques where appropriate. Rehabilitation following ligament injury, meniscal injury, fracture, or knee surgery should follow the relevant medical diagnosis and restrictions provided by the treating team. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee a specific outcome or return-to-sport date. Prompt medical assessment may be appropriate after major trauma, suspected fracture or dislocation, inability to bear weight, substantial swelling, a locked knee, or other concerning symptoms. A structured rehabilitation program can support improvements in strength, movement, and functional capacity while progression is guided by the individual's clinical needs.
Common conditions and related terms
- knee osteoarthritis
- knee arthritis
- runner’s knee
- patellofemoral pain syndrome
- meniscus injury
- ACL injury
- MCL sprain
- PCL injury
- patellar tendinopathy
- knee bursitis
- knee strain
- knee stiffness
Ankle and Foot Problems
Ankle and foot problems can interfere with walking, standing, work, running, and participation in physical activity. Common conditions that may be assessed in physiotherapy include ankle sprains, ankle strains, ankle instability, Achilles tendinopathy, Achilles tendon injury, plantar fasciitis, plantar heel pain, calf strains, foot pain, flat feet, and foot and ankle stiffness. Assessment may include joint mobility, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, walking pattern, and how the foot and ankle function with the knee and hip. Depending on the findings, treatment may include therapeutic exercise, progressive strengthening, mobility work, balance training, education, and manual techniques where appropriate. Rehabilitation after an ankle sprain may help address strength and balance deficits before returning to higher-demand activity. For runners and active individuals, a physiotherapist may also consider training load, movement patterns, and gradual progression of activity. Severe pain, significant swelling or deformity, inability to bear weight, or suspected fracture may require medical assessment. Persistent symptoms may also warrant reassessment when progress is not as expected. Physiotherapy does not guarantee prevention of recurrent injury or a specific recovery time. The rehabilitation plan should be based on the individual's assessment, symptoms, functional goals, and response to treatment.
Common conditions and related terms
- ankle sprain
- ankle strain
- ankle instability
- Achilles tendinopathy
- plantar fasciitis
- plantar heel pain
- Achilles tendon injury
- calf strain
- foot pain
- flat feet
- foot and ankle stiffness
Sports and Exercise Injuries
Sports and exercise injuries can occur during organized sport, recreational activity, running, gym training, or other physical activities. Common conditions managed through physiotherapy assessment may include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, ankle sprains, hamstring strains, groin strains, muscle strains, ligament sprains, ACL injuries, rotator cuff injuries, tendinopathy, and other overuse injuries. A physiotherapist may assess the injured area as well as strength, mobility, balance, movement patterns, previous injuries, training volume, and the physical demands of the activity. Depending on the clinical findings, rehabilitation may include mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, balance and coordination work, education, and a gradual return-to-activity program. Sport-specific exercises may be introduced when appropriate to prepare for the demands of training or competition. Returning to activity too quickly may increase the risk of aggravation, so progression should be based on symptoms, physical capacity, and relevant clinical recommendations. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee prevention of future injuries or a particular return-to-sport date. Significant swelling, deformity, inability to use a limb normally, suspected fracture, or major trauma may require medical assessment. Whether the individual is a recreational exerciser or competitive athlete, rehabilitation can be tailored to their activity, current capacity, and clinical needs.
Common conditions and related terms
- tennis elbow
- golfer’s elbow
- runner’s knee
- ankle sprain
- hamstring strain
- groin strain
- muscle strain
- ligament sprain
- ACL injury
- rotator cuff injury
- tendinopathy
- overuse injuries
Muscle and Tendon Injuries
Muscle and tendon injuries can occur suddenly during physical activity or develop gradually through repetitive loading. Common conditions that may be assessed in physiotherapy include muscle strain, muscle tear, muscle cramp, muscle spasm, hamstring strain, calf strain, tendon strain, tendinitis, tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Assessment may consider pain, strength, range of motion, activity demands, training history, and factors that may have contributed to the problem. Depending on the findings, treatment may include education, appropriate activity modification, mobility exercises, progressive resistance training, and other physiotherapy techniques where clinically indicated. Tendon rehabilitation often involves gradually increasing the amount of load the tissue can tolerate, while acute muscle injuries may require a staged progression of activity. The appropriate approach depends on the type and severity of the injury and the individual's circumstances. Sudden major loss of strength, substantial swelling or bruising, or suspected tendon rupture may require medical assessment. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee a specific healing time or eliminate recurrence. A rehabilitation plan can instead be adjusted according to symptoms, functional progress, and physical demands. The goal is to support restoration of strength, movement, and activity tolerance and facilitate an appropriate return to work, exercise, or sport.
Common conditions and related terms
- muscle strain
- muscle tear
- muscle cramp
- muscle spasm
- hamstring strain
- calf strain
- tendon strain
- tendinitis
- tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- patellar tendinopathy
- rotator cuff tendinopathy
Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis and joint pain can affect movement, strength, physical activity, sleep, work, and independence. Common conditions and symptoms that may be considered in physiotherapy include osteoarthritis, knee arthritis, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, joint stiffness, joint swelling, and other degenerative or musculoskeletal joint problems. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions require appropriate medical diagnosis and management, with physiotherapy potentially forming part of a broader care plan. A physiotherapist may assess pain, joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, physical function, and the activities that are important to the individual. Depending on the findings, treatment may include therapeutic exercise, strengthening, mobility work, balance training, education about activity and pacing, and manual techniques where appropriate. Exercise can support physical function and mobility for many people with osteoarthritis, although individual responses vary. Physiotherapy may also be used before or after joint replacement surgery when appropriate and in accordance with the treating medical team's recommendations. Sudden severe joint pain, marked swelling, a hot or red joint, fever, significant trauma, or other concerning symptoms may require medical assessment. Physiotherapy does not cure every form of arthritis and should not promise to prevent surgery or medication. Rehabilitation is individualized to diagnosis, health status, abilities, and goals.
Common conditions and related terms
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- knee arthritis
- hip arthritis
- shoulder arthritis
- joint stiffness
- joint swelling
- degenerative joint disease
- post-traumatic arthritis
Pre and Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy may be part of rehabilitation before or after certain surgical procedures, particularly when surgery affects movement, strength, mobility, or function. Common rehabilitation needs include knee replacement rehabilitation, hip replacement rehabilitation, ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, rotator cuff surgery rehabilitation, fracture rehabilitation, tendon repair rehabilitation, spinal surgery rehabilitation, and management of post-operative stiffness or weakness. Pre-operative rehabilitation, sometimes called prehabilitation, may involve exercises and education intended to help an individual understand rehabilitation requirements and maintain physical capacity before surgery. Post-operative physiotherapy may include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, mobility or gait training, balance work, functional practice, and education about activity progression. The program must account for the surgical procedure, healing stage, weight-bearing instructions, movement restrictions, and other directions from the treating medical team. A physiotherapist may communicate with other healthcare professionals when appropriate and when permitted by applicable privacy and consent requirements. Physiotherapy does not replace surgical or medical care and cannot guarantee a particular recovery time or outcome. New or worsening symptoms, wound concerns, unexpected swelling, fever, significant pain, or other post-operative concerns should be addressed with the appropriate healthcare professional. Rehabilitation should progress according to clinical findings and the individual's recovery rather than a fixed promised timeline.
Common conditions and related terms
- joint replacement rehabilitation
- knee replacement
- hip replacement
- ACL reconstruction rehabilitation
- rotator cuff surgery rehabilitation
- fracture rehabilitation
- spinal surgery rehabilitation
- tendon repair rehabilitation
- post-operative stiffness
Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Motor vehicle accidents can result in musculoskeletal injuries ranging from strains and sprains to more complex injuries requiring coordinated medical care. Common conditions following a collision may include whiplash, whiplash-associated disorder, neck strain, back strain, shoulder strain, muscle strain, ligament sprain, joint injuries, and headaches associated with neck injury. Some people may also have symptoms following concussion or other injuries that require medical assessment before or alongside physiotherapy. A physiotherapist can assess movement, strength, functional limitations, and the impact of symptoms on daily activities. Depending on the clinical findings, rehabilitation may include therapeutic exercise, mobility work, progressive strengthening, education, and other physiotherapy techniques where appropriate. The treatment plan should reflect medical findings, symptoms, functional needs, and recommendations or restrictions from other healthcare professionals. Symptoms after a collision may change over time, so reassessment can be appropriate when the clinical picture changes or recovery is not progressing as expected. Suspected fracture, loss of consciousness, significant neurological changes, breathing difficulties, severe worsening symptoms, or other emergency concerns require appropriate medical assessment. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee recovery by a specific date and should not promise insurance, legal, or claim outcomes. Health information should be disclosed to third parties only as permitted by applicable privacy requirements and appropriate consent or other lawful authority.
Common conditions and related terms
- whiplash
- whiplash-associated disorder
- neck strain
- back strain
- shoulder strain
- muscle strain
- ligament sprain
- concussion-related musculoskeletal symptoms
- headaches after collision
- joint injuries
Chronic or Persistent Pain
Chronic or persistent pain can continue for an extended period and may affect movement, sleep, work, exercise, and quality of life. Common presentations that may be considered in physiotherapy include chronic back pain, persistent neck pain, chronic shoulder pain, chronic knee pain, persistent joint pain, osteoarthritis pain, chronic muscle pain, and other long-standing musculoskeletal pain. Assessment may consider physical function, strength, mobility, activity levels, movement patterns, and the ways symptoms affect everyday activities. Depending on the person's presentation, rehabilitation may include graded exercise, progressive strengthening, mobility work, pacing strategies, education about pain and activity, and other physiotherapy approaches that are clinically appropriate. Persistent pain can be influenced by multiple physical and non-physical factors, and management may involve more than physiotherapy. A physiotherapist may recommend consultation with a physician or another healthcare professional when additional assessment or coordinated care is appropriate. Treatment should be individualized, with activity progression based on symptoms, physical capacity, health status, and goals. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee complete pain relief or a specific recovery timeline. The purpose of rehabilitation is to support physical function, confidence with movement, and participation in meaningful activities while recognizing that pain responses vary. New or unexplained symptoms, significant neurological changes, fever, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning findings may require medical assessment.
Common conditions and related terms
- chronic back pain
- persistent neck pain
- chronic shoulder pain
- chronic knee pain
- persistent joint pain
- osteoarthritis pain
- chronic muscle pain
- long-standing musculoskeletal pain
Balance or Mobility Problems
Balance and mobility difficulties can affect walking, standing, stairs, transfers, community activities, and confidence with movement. Common concerns that may be assessed in physiotherapy include balance problems, difficulty walking, gait problems, reduced mobility, unsteadiness, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, mobility limitations after injury or surgery, and factors that may increase fall risk. A physiotherapist may assess gait, lower-limb strength, joint mobility, balance, coordination, functional transfers, and the individual's ability to complete everyday tasks. Depending on the findings, treatment may include strengthening exercises, balance training, mobility and gait exercises, functional practice, education about safe movement, and guidance on mobility aids when appropriate. Rehabilitation should be individualized to the person's abilities, medical history, goals, and functional environment. Sudden new balance problems, new weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, severe dizziness, or other acute neurological symptoms require urgent medical assessment rather than routine physiotherapy. Physiotherapy cannot guarantee that falls will be prevented, but a structured program may address identified physical factors affecting balance and mobility. Where appropriate, the physiotherapist may recommend assessment by another healthcare professional or a broader falls-prevention service. The goal is to support safe and functional movement and help the individual participate in daily activities within their abilities and clinical circumstances.
Common conditions and related terms
- balance problems
- difficulty walking
- gait problems
- reduced mobility
- fall risk
- muscle weakness
- joint stiffness
- unsteadiness
- post-injury mobility problems
- mobility limitations after surgery
WSIB Injuries
Physiotherapy may form part of rehabilitation following a workplace injury that is being managed through an applicable workers’ compensation process. Common work-related conditions may include workplace back injury, neck injury, shoulder injury, knee injury, repetitive strain injury, work-related sprains and strains, muscle injuries, tendon injuries, and overuse conditions. A physiotherapist can assess symptoms, physical limitations, functional abilities, and the physical requirements of the individual's job. Depending on the clinical findings, rehabilitation may include therapeutic exercise, progressive strengthening, mobility work, education, work-specific conditioning, and a gradual plan for returning to appropriate activities. Any work restrictions, precautions, or return-to-work recommendations should be based on the individual's clinical assessment and relevant medical or workplace requirements. Physiotherapy documentation should accurately reflect the assessment, treatment provided, functional findings, and clinical recommendations. We do not promise approval of a claim, payment of benefits, a specific return-to-work date, or any outcome controlled by a workers’ compensation authority, insurer, employer, physician, or another party. Health information should be communicated to third parties only in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and appropriate consent or other lawful authority. Rehabilitation can be adjusted as symptoms and functional capacity change. The purpose of physiotherapy is to support safe recovery and functional improvement within applicable clinical and administrative requirements.
Common conditions and related terms
- workplace back injury
- workplace neck injury
- workplace shoulder injury
- workplace knee injury
- repetitive strain injury
- work-related sprain
- work-related strain
- tendon injury
- muscle injury
- overuse injury
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Condition names are examples of presentations that may be assessed in physiotherapy; they are not intended to imply that every person with a particular symptom has that diagnosis. Treatment is individualized, and an assessment is needed to determine the likely cause and appropriate management. Physiotherapy does not guarantee a particular outcome or recovery time.
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