Understanding Musculoskeletal Conditions – Expert Injury Clinic in Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme

Common Musculoskeletal Conditions We Treat

1. Achilles Tendinitis

• What is it? Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

• Causes: Overuse, running, tight calf muscles, improper footwear.

• Symptoms: Heel pain, stiffness in the morning, tenderness along the tendon.

• Treatment: Hands-on therapy, shockwave therapy, stretching & progressive strengthening exercises.

2. Plantar Fasciitis

• What is it? Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick tissue band under the foot.

• Causes: Flat feet, poor footwear, excessive standing, tight calf muscles.

• Symptoms: Sharp heel pain (especially in the morning), foot arch discomfort.

• Treatment: Shockwave therapy, soft tissue release, progressive strengthening and taping techniques.

3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)

• What is it? Pain around the kneecap (patella) due to poor knee tracking.

• Causes: Muscle imbalances, weak quadriceps, overuse, improper running mechanics.

• Symptoms: Pain when squatting, going upstairs, or sitting for long periods.

• Treatment: Manual therapy, shockwave therapy, soft tissue release, and progressive strength training.

4. IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)

• What is it? Inflammation of the IT band, which runs along the outer thigh.

• Causes: Overuse in runners/cyclists, weak hip muscles, poor biomechanics.

• Symptoms: Outer knee pain, tightness along the thigh, worsened by running.

• Treatment: Deep tissue massage, shockwave therapy, myofascial release, biomechanical assessment.

5. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

• What is it? Overuse injury of the forearm extensor tendons near the elbow.

• Causes: Repetitive wrist movements (e.g., tennis, typing, manual labor).

• Symptoms: Pain on the outer elbow, weak grip, discomfort with wrist movement.

• Treatment: Soft tissue release, manual therapy, shockwave therapy, progressive strengthening.

6. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

• What is it? Similar to Tennis Elbow, but affecting the inner side of the elbow.

• Causes: Repetitive wrist flexion, gripping motions, poor ergonomics.

• Symptoms: Pain inside the elbow, weak grip, wrist discomfort.

• Treatment: Hands-on physiotherapy, shockwave therapy, manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation.

7. Rotator Cuff Injuries (Shoulder Pain)

• What is it? Damage to the rotator cuff muscles/tendons in the shoulder.

• Causes: Overuse, poor posture, trauma (falls, heavy lifting).

• Symptoms: Shoulder pain, weakness, difficulty lifting the arm.

• Treatment: Soft tissue therapy, shockwave therapy, joint mobilisations, progressive strengthening.

8. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)

• What is it? Stiffness and pain due to thickening of the shoulder capsule.

• Causes: Injury, surgery, prolonged immobility, diabetes.

• Symptoms: Gradual onset of severe shoulder stiffness and limited movement.

• Treatment: Joint mobilisations, hands-on therapy, shockwave therapy, stretching techniques.

9. Sciatica

• What is it? Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing leg pain.

• Causes: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome.

• Symptoms: Sharp, shooting pain down the leg, numbness, tingling, weakness.

• Treatment: Spinal mobilisations, soft tissue therapy, hands-on treatments, postural correction and strengthening.

10. Lower Back Pain (Disc Herniations, Facet Joint Pain, SI Joint Dysfunction)

• What is it? Various conditions causing pain in the lumbar spine.

• Causes: Poor posture, prolonged sitting, lifting injuries, aging.

• Symptoms: Lower back pain, stiffness, possible nerve involvement (sciatica).

• Treatment: Spinal mobilisation, deep tissue massage, electrotherapy, manual therapy, strengthening.

11. Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis)

• What is it? Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sac) over the hip bone.

• Causes: Overuse, poor biomechanics, prolonged sitting.

• Symptoms: Outer hip pain, worsened by lying on the affected side.

• Treatment: Soft tissue release, shockwave therapy, hip stability training.

12. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• What is it? Compression of the median nerve in the wrist.

• Causes: Repetitive hand movements, poor wrist ergonomics, pregnancy.

• Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, weakness in the hand and fingers.

• Treatment: Manual therapy, shockwave therapy or ultrasound therapy, nerve glides, ergonomic corrections.

13. Whiplash (Neck Pain After Injury)

• What is it? Soft tissue injury from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces (e.g., car accidents).

• Causes: Rear-end collisions, falls, sports injuries.

• Symptoms: Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness.

• Treatment: Manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, postural retraining.

14. Osteoarthritis (Joint Degeneration)

• What is it? Wear-and-tear damage to joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.

• Causes: Aging, obesity, previous joint injuries.

• Symptoms: Stiffness, joint swelling, pain during movement.

• Treatment: Joint mobilisations, ultrasound therapy, soft tissue work, strength training.

15. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Autoimmune Joint Condition)

• What is it? Chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting multiple joints.

• Causes: Autoimmune disorder attacking joint lining.

• Symptoms: Swollen, painful joints, morning stiffness.

• Treatment: Hands-on therapy to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness, ultrasound therapy.

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How Our Clinic Can Help

At Maximum Performance Sports Therapy Injury Clinic, we specialise in treating and preventing running injuries in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Our experienced team offers a range of hands-on treatments, including:

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• Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Release to alleviate tightness and improve mobility.

• Shockwave Therapy & Ultrasound Therapy for pain relief and accelerated healing.

• Custom Rehabilitation Programs tailored to your running goals.

• Gait Analysis & Biomechanical Assessments to correct body movement.

• Taping & Bracing Solutions to support injured areas and prevent further damage.

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What to Expect During Treatment

1. Initial Consultation: Our specialists will assess your condition and discuss your symptoms.

2. Customised Treatment Plan including rehabilitation exercises: Based on your diagnosis, we create a personalised approach.

3. Ongoing Care and Monitoring: We track your progress to ensure optimal results.

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If you're struggling with an injury or want to stay proactive in preventing one, book an appointment with us today. Our expert team will help you recover, strengthen, and optimise your performance—so you can keep running strong and pain-free!​

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What to book in for?

For a full assessment, treatment, advise, exercise plan etc... Book for a Initial Consultation & Treatment service. 

Book Here