Your local physio
in Birkenhead

What you might notice: A dull ache or sharp pain in your lower back, stiffness first thing in the morning, pain that spreads into your buttock or leg, or a stiff, sore neck that makes it hard to turn your head. Neck pain often comes with tension across the shoulders or headaches.

How it happens: Lifting or bending awkwardly, long hours sitting at a desk or driving, poor sleeping positions, a sudden increase in activity – or a twinge with no obvious cause at all, which is more common than you might think.

How we help: We'll find out what's driving your pain, settle it with hands-on treatment and, where appropriate, dry needling, then build strength and mobility with targeted exercises. We'll also give you practical advice on posture, your work set-up and staying active, so it's less likely to come back.

What you might notice: Sudden pain during a game or run, swelling or bruising, a joint that feels unstable or 'gives way', or a niggle that gets a little worse every time you train.

How it happens: Rolling an ankle, twisting a knee, a tackle or awkward landing, ramping up your training too quickly, or changes in footwear, surface or technique.

How we help: We'll diagnose the injury, settle pain and swelling, and guide you through a structured rehab programme – finishing with sport-specific training and a clear, safe plan for returning to training and competition.

What you might notice: Pain reaching overhead or behind your back, clicking or catching, trouble sleeping on one side, stiffness getting in and out of the car, or a knee that aches on stairs, when squatting or after sitting for a while.

How it happens: Repetitive overhead activity, weakness or muscle imbalances, a previous injury, a change in activity levels, or gradual wear and tear over time.

How we help: We'll assess how the joint and the muscles around it are working, ease your pain with hands-on treatment and build the strength and control to keep it from coming back.

What you might notice: Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, below the kneecap, on the outside of the elbow or around the hip – often worst first thing in the morning or at the start of activity, then easing once you warm up.

How it happens: Doing too much too soon, repetitive tasks at work or in sport, a sudden change in training, or not enough recovery between sessions.

How we help: Tendons respond best to the right amount of load. We'll ease your pain, guide you on what to modify and build a structured, progressive loading programme to strengthen the tendon, so you can stay active while it recovers.

What you might notice: Headaches that start at the base of your skull or behind your eyes, jaw pain, clicking or difficulty opening your mouth, or brief spinning episodes when you roll over in bed or look up.

How it happens: Neck stiffness and tension, long periods at a screen, clenching or grinding your teeth, stress – or, for dizziness, tiny crystals in the inner ear moving out of place (BPPV).

How we help: We'll pinpoint whether your neck, jaw or inner ear is involved. Neck-related headaches and jaw pain respond well to hands-on treatment and exercise, and BPPV can often be settled in just a few sessions using specific repositioning techniques.

What you might notice: Before surgery, you may be dealing with pain, weakness or limited movement. After surgery, swelling, stiffness and reduced strength are all a normal part of recovery.

Common procedures: ACL reconstruction, knee and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, fracture repairs and other orthopaedic procedures.

How we help: Prehab builds your strength and confidence before your operation, and post-op rehab guides you safely through each stage of recovery in line with your surgeon's protocol – from early movement right through to returning to sport, work and everyday life.

What you might notice: Joint stiffness, aching that lingers or flares up, reduced movement, or pain that's been around for months and is affecting your sleep, mood or activity levels.

How it happens: Osteoarthritis, previous injuries, a sensitised nervous system, or a mix of factors that keep pain going long after the original tissues have healed.

How we help: We'll help you understand your pain, find the right balance between activity and rest, and build strength and movement at a pace that suits you – with a long-term plan so you can keep doing what matters most.