What Are The Most Common Physiotherapy Injuries we see at our Carlton & Tullamarine Physiotherapy Clinic?

If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or mobility issues, you’re not alone. In Carlton, Tullamarine and the surrounding suburbs many people search for solutions to common physiotherapy injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, elderly or recovering from an accident, understanding these conditions can help you get the right treatment fast.

At The Physio Crew we specialise in treating a wide range of injuries. Below are some of the most common physiotherapy conditions we treat at our Carlton and Tullamarine Physiotherapy Clinics.

1. Lower Back Pain & Sciatica

One of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy is lower back pain. Whether caused by an injury at work or sport or home, heavy lifting, being sedentary, age related spinal conditions or prolonged sitting, lower back issues can lead to chronic discomfort. In some cases, it extends to sciatica, where pain radiates down the leg due to nerve compression.

Treatment: Manual therapy, strengthening and mobility exercises, Load management and activity modification strategies and getting your active early and safely.

2. Neck Pain

With so many people working at desks or staring at screens, neck pain has become widespread. It is a growing concern and can lead to stiffness, headaches, and upper back discomfort.

Treatment: Education and advice, soft tissue release and joint mobilisation, ergonomic advice, and mobility and neck strengthening exercises.

3. Sports Injuries – Knee & Ankle Sprains

Carlton and Tullamarine have active sporting communities, leading to a high number of knee injuries (such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries) and ankle sprains. Runners, footballers, and basketball players often suffer from patellofemoral pain syndrome or Achilles tendinopathy.

Treatment: Strength and balance training, load management strategies, taping, plyometrics and power training and individual rehabilitation programs.

4. Shoulder Injuries – Rotator Cuff & Frozen Shoulder

Treatment for Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder are frequently enquired by the community. People can often suffer from shoulder pain due to repetitive strain or sudden injuries such as a fall at home or while playing a sport.

Treatment: Shoulder and scapular mobility and strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and progressive strengthening programs.

5. Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow

Even if you don’t play tennis or golf, you might still develop lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). These conditions are caused by repetitive wrist movements and an increased in load, common among office workers, tradespeople, and gym users.

Treatment: Hands-on therapy, dry needling, taping, load management, and strengthening exercises.

6. Hip Pain & Bursitis

People in the Tullamarine and Carlton areas often complain about hip pain, especially due to hip bursitis or hip osteoarthritis. This condition is common among walkers, runners, cyclists, and older adults.

Treatment: Strength training, manual therapy, and movement modification.

7. Post-Surgery Rehab – Knee & Hip Replacements

With an aging population, post-surgical rehabilitation, particularly for knee replacements and hip replacements are common. Physiotherapy helps regain strength, mobility, and confidence after surgery. At our state of the art gym, many of our clients complete their rehabilitation after having hip and knee replacements to support them to get back to doing the activities they love.

Treatment: Guided rehabilitation, mobility and strength training, and pain management strategies.

How The Physio Crew in Carlton and Tullamarine Can Help

At The Physio Crew we provide expert physiotherapy services to help you recover quickly and get back to doing what you love. Whether you’re dealing with lower back pain, sports injuries, or recovering post surgery, our team is here to help.

Book an appointment today! Visit our clinics in Carlton and Tullamarine or book online at www.thephysiocrew.com.au

Tullamarine Clinic: 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
Carlton Clinic: 2/221 Drummond Street, Carlton, 3053

Call Now to Book:
Tullamarine: 9116 8691
Carlton: 9116 8693

TPC

Common Football Injuries and How Physiotherapy Helps

Sports injuries soccer injuries knee injuries

At The Physio Crew, we use evidence-based strategies to help footballers in Tullamarine and Carlton prevent and recover from sports injuries.

  1. Hamstring Strains & Tears
    • 90% of hamstring injuries are preceded by mild discomfort. How can we help?
      • Targeted hamstring strengthening & flexibility programs
      • Sports massage & manual handling techniques to reduce tightness
      • Neuromuscular activation and power drills to improve sprint mechanics
  2. Knee Pain & ACL Injuries
    • High risk in footballers who don’t address early knee discomfort. How can we help?
      • Biomechanical assessments to identify movement issues using VALD technology – access lower limb asymmetries, power, speed and force produced.
      • Progressive strengthening & agility drills
      • Implementation of Prevention programs such as FIFA 11+
      • Knee stabilisation, Power & proprioception training
  3. Groin & Hip Pain
    • Common in players with poor movement mechanics & flexibility issues. How can we help?
      • Hip mobility strength exercises to reduce muscle and joint strain
      • Strengthening of adductors & glutes to improve stability
      • Manual therapy & guided rehab plans

Proactive Injury Prevention: The Physio Crew Approach
– Early Screening & Assessment: We identify high-risk movement patterns before they lead to injury.
– Individualised Strength Programs: Designed to correct muscle imbalances and improve flexibility and power.
– Hands-On Treatment: Including manual therapy, dry needling and taping.
– Sports-Specific Training: Football-focused drills to improve acceleration, agility, and endurance.

Book Your Football Injury Assessment Today!

If you’re feeling tight, sore, or experiencing recurring pain, don’t wait for a serious injury to strike.

Visit us at:
🔹 Tullamarine Clinic: 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
🔹 Carlton Clinic: 2/221 Drummond Street, Carlton, 3053

Call Now to Book:
Tullamarine: 9116 8691
Carlton: 9116 8693

Or Book Online at thephysiocrew.com.au

Play Smarter, Stay Stronger, and Avoid Injury – Let’s Get You Back in the Game!

TPC


Niggles matter – Why Ignoring Minor Discomfort Can Increase Your Risk of Injury

Soccer injuries, soccer training, knee injuries, hip injuries, football

Football is a high-intensity sport that places constant physical demands on players. While many athletes push through minor aches and pains (“niggles”), new research suggests that these small complaints significantly increase the risk of a serious injury within the following week.

At The Physio Crew, we specialise in football injury prevention and rehabilitation in Tullamarine and Carlton, helping semi-professional and amateur footballers stay strong, agile, and injury-free. We are proud to be affiliated with Keilor Park Soccer Club and Upfield Soccer Club.

If you’re a footballer experiencing persistent muscle soreness, knee discomfort, or tight hamstrings, addressing these issues early could save you weeks or months of time lost due to injury.

A recent study examined 218 semi-professional footballers. Players were required to self-report physical complaints (such as soreness, tightness, or discomfort) via a questionnaire.

Key Findings:
  1. Footballers who reported a physical complaint had a 2.8 to 5.9 times higher risk of injury in the following week.
  2. Self-reported injuries were much higher than officially recorded time-loss injuries, raising concerns about whether current injury tracking in football is effective.
  3. 90% of hamstring injuries had a warning sign (a non-time loss complaint in the same area) before they became serious.

What Does This Mean for You?

  • Muscle tightness, soreness, or mild pain is often a precursor to injury.
  • Ignoring these niggles can lead to hamstring tears, ACL injuries, and long-term issues.
  • Early intervention with physiotherapy can dramatically reduce injury risk.

I will write a follow up blog on common Football injuries and how Physiotherapy Helps reduce risk of soccer injuries.

Football pre-season is well and truly here and most football teams in Carlton and Tullamarine are gearing up for practice games and the start of the season. If you are experiencing muscle tightness, hamstring pain, general soreness or niggles please book in with one of our expert physiotherapist to assist you in reducing risk of injury and playing the full season.

Tullamarine – 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine – 9116 8691
Carlton – 2/221 Drummond Steet, Carlton – 9116 8693

TPC

Patellar Tendon Load Progression during Rehabilitation Exercises

Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) is a common knee injury in athletes and active individuals, especially those involved in jumping and high-impact sports such as basketball, netball, running, football and so forth. The progression of knee patella tendon load during rehabilitation is crucial to reduce knee pain, optimise recovery, and prevent re-injury.

This recent study aimed to quantify patellar tendon load during 35 common knee rehabilitation exercises, categorising them into low, medium, and high load tiers for the patellar tendon.

4 Key Findings:

  1. Knee patellar tendon load varies significantly across exercises.
  2. The Single-Leg Decline Squat generated the highest tendon load, surpassing even running.
  3. Squat depth impacts loading:
    • 60° knee squats resulted in 50% less tendon load compared to full-depth (100°) knee squats.
  4. Load progression over time is more important than just exercise selection.
Stage 1: Low Load (Early-Stage Knee Rehab)

Purpose: Reduce knee pain, restore basic movement, and prepare for heavier loads.
Exercises:
– Walking
– Step-up (low box – 10cm step)
– Double-Leg Squat (60° knee flexion)
– Step-down (low box)
– Standard Step-up

Stage 2: Medium Load (Mid-Rehab Phase)

Purpose: Strengthen the knee tendon progressively while avoiding overload.
Exercises:
– Bulgarian Split Squat
– Single-Leg Squat (60° knee flexion)
– Full-Depth Double-Leg Squat (100° knee flexion)
– Standard Step-Down
– Running
– Drop Landings (20cm step)
– Lunge Variations
– Alternating Split Jumps
– Double-Leg Countermovement Jump (CMJ)

Phase 3: High Load (Return to Sport Phase)

Purpose: Prepare the knee tendon for high-performance movements and prevent re-injury.
Exercises:
– Single-Leg Maximal Forward Hop
– Single-Leg Countermovement Jump (CMJ)
– Single-Leg Drop Jump (20cm step)
– Single-Leg Decline Squat (90° knee flexion, upright trunk)
– Full-Speed Sprint with Cutting (45° direction change)

Important points:

  • The SL Decline Squat (90°) was the only squat exercise that produced more tendon load than running.
  • Depth and control matter: Shallow squats (60°) produce half the load of deeper squats (100°).

If you are suffering from knee tendon pain or anterior knee pain, book in with one of our expert physiotherapists who can guide you with an individual rehabilitation program to get you back to your best. We carefully modify intensity, reps, and tempo to prevent flare-ups and support you to get back to your activity.

Call our friendly staff on the number below to book in:
Tullamarine Clinic: 9116 8691 – 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
Carlton Clinic: 9116 8693 – 2/221 Drummond Street, Carlton, 3053

TPC

Rolled Your Ankle? Here’s How to Recover Faster with Physiotherapy

ankle injury ankle pain ankle sprain ankle roll

Whether you’re playing footy at Princes Park, hitting the gym, or running along the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail, ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries we treat at our physiotherapy clinic in Tullamarine & Carlton.

Here’s how physiotherapy can help you heal faster and prevent re-injury. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around your ankle are overstretched or torn, often from:
– Twisting (in or out) your ankle during sports or at work
– Landing awkwardly from a jump
– Running on uneven ground
– Sudden changes in direction
Ignoring an ankle sprain can lead to chronic instability, recurring ankle injuries, and a lack of confidence or fear of movement when return back to sport or work. Our physiotherapy clinic in Tullamarine and Carlton have experienced physiotherapists in managing sports conditions such as ankle sprains and the latest technology such as VALD – force plates and dynamometers to accurately access, diagnose and rehab the ankle.

How The Physio Crew Treats Ankle Sprains for Fast Recovery

Phase 1: Immediate Care – Education on Swelling reduction and pain management, compression, and taping/bracing for stability. De-loading the ankle to promote tissue healing.
Phase 2: Pain-Free Movement – Gentle stretching, balance training, and mobility work to regain ankle range of motion and promote tissue healing. We use VALD and dynamometers to access deficits in strength, balance and mobility to create an effective rehabilitation plan.
Phase 3: Strength & Stability – Progressive strengthening and agility drills to prevent re-injury. Focusing on improving confidence in the ankle. Our clients can use our gym facility in Carlton and Tullamarine at no cost to perform high level strength exercises such as squats, deadlifts, split squats and plyometrics.
Phase 4: Return to Sport – Sport-specific rehab to ensure a full recovery. Ability to return safely and confidently back to sport or work.

Why Athletes Choose The Physio Crew for Ankle Injury Recovery
  •  Expert Sports Physiotherapists – We being over 30 years of experience in footy, basketball, running & gym injuries. Our physiotherapists actively manage many sporting clubs ranging of footy, rugby and soccer clubs.
  • State-of-the-Art Facility in Tullamarine and Carlton– Gym facility available for our patients to perform their rehabilitation. We pride ourselves on Manual therapy and use techniques such as dry needling, taping and have a large referral network with orthopaedics.
  • Individual & Effective Rehab Plans – Get back to your sport safely and effectively while minimising the risk of re-injury.

If you are suffering from an ankle sprain or ankle injury, contact our friendly staff to book in a consultation with on of our physiotherapists and start your journey to return back to your sport or work safely and confidently.

Tullamarine Clinic: P: 9116 8691 – 1/191 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine, 3043
Carlton Clinic: P: 9116 8693 – 2/221 Drummond Street, Carlton, 3053

TPC

Transform Your Health with Expert Physiotherapy in Tullamarine and Carlton

Living with pain or injury can be debilitating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Physio Crew, our experienced physiotherapists in Tullamarine and Carlton, are dedicated to helping you regain mobility, alleviate discomfort, and restore your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with sports injuries, chronic pain, or post-surgical recovery, physiotherapy is your first step toward a stronger, healthier you.

We live by our motto “All about you”

In this blog, we’ll explore how physiotherapy can help you overcome common conditions, improve your wellbeing, and why The Physio Crew is the go-to choice for expert care for physiotherapy in Tullamarine and Carlton.

What Is Physiotherapy, and Why Do You Need It?

Physiotherapy is a science-backed approach to managing pain, improving movement, and optimising function. It’s ideal for a range of conditions, including:

  • Lower Back Pain
  • Neck Pain and Headaches
  • Sports Injuries
  • Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
  • Arthritis and Joint Pain
  • Workplace or Repetitive Strain Injuries

Our team of physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques, including manual therapy, exercise prescription, gym rehabilitation and cutting-edge technology such as VALD, to create personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.

Common Reasons to See a Physiotherapist

1. Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common for athletes of all levels. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, torn ligament, or tennis elbow, physiotherapy can help you recover faster and reduce the risk of re-injury. Our clinics in Tullamarine and Carlton specialise in sports physiotherapy, with targeted rehabilitation programs to get you back in the game. Our physiotherapists use technology such as VALD – to access muscle asymmetries, muscle weaknesses, power and force output to give accurate measures we can work in rehabilitation and improve athletic performance.

2. Chronic Pain Management

Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or persistent back pain can interfere with daily life. Our physiotherapists address the root cause of your discomfort, offering hands-on therapy and exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain long-term. Our physiotherapists use the latest research based techniques to best assist with your chronic pain.

3. Post-Surgery Recovery

After surgery, such as total knee replacement or total hip replacement, ACL reconstruction, lumbar and spinal discectomy, rotator cuff repair or shoulder reconstructions, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in regaining strength, movement and function. Our structured rehabilitation programs created together with your physiotherapist are designed to help you recover safely and efficiently.

4. Work-Related Injuries

From desk job-related neck pain to heavy lifting injuries, workplace strain is a leading cause of musculoskeletal issues. Physiotherapy offers tailored solutions to get you back to work comfortably and safely. Our physiotherapists are experts in getting you back to work safely and stronger.

Why Choose The Physio Crew in Tullamarine and Carlton?

1. Expertise in Localised Care

Our clinics in Tullamarine and Carlton focus on providing personalised treatment plans that cater to the diverse needs of our communities. We understand the local lifestyle, ensuring our services align with your daily activities and work demands.

2. Holistic Treatment Approach

We combine hands-on manual therapy, evidence-based exercise programs, and education to empower you to take control of your health. Our aim is not just to treat symptoms but to address the root causes of your condition.

3. Convenient Location and Modern Facilities

Whether you’re visiting us in Tullamarine or Carlton, you’ll find state-of-the-art physiotherapy facilities are designed to deliver the highest standard of care. Both clinics are easily accessible, with flexible physiotherapy appointment times to fit into your schedule. We have a state of the art gym, which is free to use for our clients.

4. A Proven Track Record

With years of experience and hundreds of satisfied patients, The Physio Crew has built a reputation for supportive, effective and compassionate physiotherapy care. Don’t just take our word for it—check out our glowing reviews for our physiotherapy service from happy clients in both locations!

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

We understand that visiting a physiotherapist for the first time can feel daunting. That’s why we make the process as straightforward as possible:

  1. Initial Assessment: We’ll discuss your condition, medical history, and treatment goals.
  2. Comprehensive Evaluation: Using advanced diagnostic tools (such as force plates, dynamometers and etc), we’ll identify the source of your pain or mobility issues.
  3. Treatment Plan: Together, we’ll develop a personalised plan, including manual therapy, exercises, and lifestyle advice.

Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today

Take the first step toward pain-free living. Whether you’re in Tullamarine or Carlton, The Physio Crew is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live your best life.

Don’t wait—book your physiotherapy session today! Call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 (Tullamarine) 9116 8693 (Carlton) or you can easily book online via our website.

TPC

Tai Chi vs Aerobic Exercise for Fibromyalgia – Which Works Better?

Fibromyalgia, a complex condition marked by chronic pain, fatigue, and sleep issues, is often treated with aerobic exercise. But what if there’s a more effective and enjoyable alternative to manage fibromyalgia? A recent study compared tai chi vs aerobic exercise in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.

Key Findings:

  • Tai Chi Outperformed Aerobic Exercise: All groups saw improvements, but tai chi groups showed greater benefits on key measures like fibromyalgia impact, anxiety, and coping skills.
  • Longer Duration = Better Results: Patients who practiced tai chi for 24 weeks improved more than those who practiced for 12 weeks with fibromyalgia. People that performed 2 x a week or once a week had similar results. The duration had a larger effect on fibromyalgia symptoms.
  • Better Attendance: Participants were more consistent with tai chi than aerobic sessions, suggesting tai chi may be more appealing and sustainable when dealing with fibromyalgia.
  • Best Outcomes: Practicing tai chi twice a week for 24 weeks yielded the most significant fibromyalgia symptom relief.

Implications for Practice:
Many fibromyalgia patients struggle with traditional exercise programs. Tai chi offers a gentler, engaging alternative that addresses both physical and mental health when dealing with fibromyalgia. Its focus on relaxation, mindfulness, and movement may better target the underlying issues contributing to pain and fatigue with fibromyalgia.

For physiotherapists, tai chi is a promising option to add to treatment plans with seeing patients with fibromyalgia , especially for patients who find aerobic exercise daunting. By incorporating mind-body exercises like tai chi, we can provide a holistic approach to fibromyalgia care.

If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, book in with our Physiotherapists to discuss different treatment options based on evidence. Call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 or book online via our website.

TPC

How much to exercise? Prevent and Manage Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often influenced by physical activity and behavioral responses to pain. Two recent studies shed light on how exercise and pacing strategies impact low back pain outcomes. While exercise is commonly recommended to manage low back pain, we look into how specific types and amounts of physical activity can help reduce its risk.

Key Findings:

  1. Engaging in aerobic activity (walking, cycling, swimming, running) – for over 75 minutes per week and muscle strengthening exercises (MSA) 2-5 times weekly reduces the risk of chronic LBP. A combination of 225-300 minutes of aerobic exercise with 4-5 strength sessions weekly provides maximum protective benefits.
  2. Behavioural responses matter: Persistent activity in the presence of anxiety can increase pain intensity in acute low back pain, while avoidance or persistence without anxiety showed no negative impact. It’s important to self regulate on how you are feeling with a particular exercise or movement pattern when experiencing low back pain.

What This Means for You:
Consistency with aerobic and strength exercises can prevent chronic low back pain (LBP), while a balanced pacing strategy—avoiding overexertion or excessive avoidance—can optimise recovery from acute low back pain (LBP). Personal factors, such as anxiety or lifestyle constraints, influence the ideal balance for each individual.

How We Can Help:
At The Physio Crew, we tailor exercise plans and pacing strategies to your unique needs, helping you stay active while reducing pain and disability. Together, we can find the right balance to protect and strengthen your back. We develop aerobic and strength training programs while building confidence in movement patterns.

To book with one of our experts, please call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 or book online via the website.

TPC

5 Proven Treatments for Patellofemoral (Knee cap) Pain

Patellofemoral or knee cap pain (PFP) is a common issue causing persistent knee discomfort, often interfering with daily activities such as kneeling, squatting, stairs and sit to stand. A recent systematic review analysed effective non-surgical treatments to manage knee cap or Patellofemoral pain. The findings highlight short-term solutions that reduce knee pain and improve knee function, empowering patients through active rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Short-term Relief: 5 interventions effectively improved pain and function at 3 months:
    • Knee-targeted exercise
    • Combined interventions (knee exercises with orthotics and activity modifications)
    • Foot orthoses
    • Lower-quadrant manual therapy (soft tissue work, lower limb stretches etc)
    • Hip-and-knee-targeted exercise
  2. Prioritise Active Treatments: Active rehabilitation outperforms passive approaches like dry needling or vibration therapy, which showed no significant benefit.
  3. Combined Approach is Best: Integrating multiple interventions, such as exercises and orthoses, may enhance outcomes more than standalone treatments.

Clinical Implications for Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapists should emphasise active knee rehabilitation, combining strength-building exercises for the hips and knees with tools like orthoses to improve pain and functionality. The evidence reinforces tailored and active care can help individuals regain control over their knee symptoms and lead more comfortable lives.

If you are suffering of anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain, call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 (Tullamarine) or 9116 8693 (Carlton) to book in with one of our expert physiotherapists for management and rehabilitation of anterior knee pain. You can also book online via www.thephysiocrew.com.au.

TPC

Creaky Knees: Should You Be Worried?

Creaky Knee, Knee crepitus, or the grating, cracking, or popping sounds around the knee, can be unsettling, but is it really cause for concern? A recent survey explored how people with knee crepitus or creaky knee perceive it, and how their beliefs may impact their activity levels and exercise habits.

Key Takeaways: Most people don’t consider knee crepitus or creaky knee a major issue, especially when there is no pain associated with the creaky knee. However, some worry that knee crepitus may signal joint damage, leading them to avoid certain movements and reduce physical activity. These concerns are often based on misconceptions that can affect how active people stay, which may lead to more knee issues then the creaky knee.

What Can Physiotherapists Do? As physiotherapists, we can play a crucial role in addressing these misconceptions and beliefs around the creaky knee. By reassuring clients about the safety of exercise, explaining what crepitus typically means, and guiding them toward beneficial, knee-friendly activities, we can help them stay active without fear.

With the right approach, clients can feel confident in maintaining movement, preserving knee function, reducing pain and improve physical performance even if their knees are a little “creaky.” At The Physio Crew we openly discuss patient belief regarding their condition and support them with a recovery plan to achieve their health goals with evidence based practice. Call you friendly staff to book an appointment on 9116 8691 (Tullamarine ) or 9116 8693 (Carlton).

TPC