Author: Team @ Physio On Miller

Top 5 Musculoskeletal Injuries We’re Seeing More of in 2025 (And How to Prevent Them)

In 2025, our team of physiotherapists has noticed a steady rise in musculoskeletal injuries across all types of clients. It is not just athletes who are affected. We are seeing more desk workers, parents, and older adults coming in with aches, strains, and movement issues.

Changes in work habits, increased screen time, and a surge in high-intensity fitness routines have created new patterns of overuse and poor posture. The positive news is that most musculoskeletal injuries can be prevented with the right balance of movement, strength, and hands-on care.

Here are the top five injuries we are treating most often this year and our professional advice on how to stay ahead of them.

1. Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain continues to be one of the most common conditions we treat. Hours of sitting, poor posture, and weak core muscles are major contributors. If left untreated, these issues can cause stiffness, nerve irritation, and ongoing pain.

Our approach:
We combine hands-on physiotherapy and remedial massage to relieve tension and improve mobility. Once pain has eased, our exercise rehab and Clinical Pilates sessions focus on strengthening the core and glutes to prevent future flare-ups.

Prevention tip:
Take regular breaks from sitting, check that your workstation is well set up, and include gentle core strengthening exercises in your weekly routine.

2. Shoulder Impingement and Rotator Cuff Strain

Many people experience shoulder pain from gym workouts, swimming, or long hours at a computer. Muscle imbalances between the chest and upper back can cause the shoulder joint to move inefficiently, leading to irritation or strain.

Our approach:
Our physiotherapists use manual therapy to restore shoulder movement and reduce inflammation. We then guide clients through exercise rehab and Pilates programs that build balanced shoulder strength and stability.

Prevention tip:
Warm up properly before training, pay attention to technique, and add posture-based strengthening exercises to your weekly plan.

3. Knee Pain (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)

Knee pain, especially around the kneecap (patella), is becoming more common among runners and recreational athletes. Weak hips, tight thighs, or sudden increases in training load are often the cause.

Our approach:
We assess how your body moves and use a combination of hands-on treatment, targeted strengthening, and prehab exercises to correct movement patterns and improve knee alignment.

Prevention tip:
Increase your training gradually, focus on hip and thigh strength, and include stretching and recovery in your weekly schedule.

4. Tendinopathies (Achilles and Elbow Tendon Pain)

Tendon injuries, such as Achilles pain or tennis elbow, are becoming more frequent due to repetitive strain and tight muscles. These problems often start with mild stiffness or soreness and worsen if ignored.

Our approach:
We use remedial massage therapy to reduce tension, followed by manual therapy and tailored exercise rehab to rebuild tendon strength and resilience.

Prevention tip:
Increase training loads gradually, avoid pushing through pain, and book a physio appointment at the first sign of persistent discomfort.

5. Neck and Upper Back Tension

Stress, prolonged computer use, and poor posture are leading to more cases of neck and upper back pain. Tight muscles and weak postural support can cause fatigue, stiffness, and headaches.

Our approach:
Our physiotherapists and massage therapists work together to release tight muscles and restore movement. We then use Pilates and prehab programs to strengthen the upper back and support long-term posture.

Prevention tip:
Adjust your workstation so your screen is at eye level, keep your shoulders relaxed, and take regular movement breaks during the day.

The Takeaway for Musculoskeletal Injuries

At our clinic, we believe that true recovery and prevention come from combining hands-on treatment with active rehabilitation. Whether through physiotherapy, remedial massage, or our small-group Pilates and exercise rehab classes, we help you recover, move better, and stay pain-free.

If you are noticing early signs of stiffness or pain, now is the best time to act.

Book an appointment with our team today and find out how we can help you move with confidence and strength in 2025.

The Power of Strength Training: Building Muscle, Bone & Brain Health at Every Stage of Life

Whether you’re a recreational athlete, a new mum, an older adult, or someone who spends long hours at a desk, strength training can be one of the most powerful tools for improving your health, mobility, and longevity. At Physio On Miller, we see every day how a well-designed strength program can transform the way people move, feel, and live – and it’s not just about lifting heavy weights.

Why Strength Training Matters for Everyone

Strength training is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, supporting bone density, and enhancing brain health. If you’re a recreational athlete, it can boost performance, improve endurance, and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. For desk workers, it helps correct postural imbalances and prevent neck and back pain caused by prolonged sitting.

In addition, for pre and post-natal clients, targeted strength work plays a vital role in stabilising the pelvis, supporting posture, and preparing the body for the physical demands of pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery. And for the older population, strength training is one of the most effective ways to maintain independence, prevent falls, and keep bones strong as we age.

The Mind-Muscle Connection: Strength Training and Brain Health

Moreover, strength training isn’t just good for the body — it’s also incredibly beneficial for the brain. It’s not just your muscles that benefit. Research shows that strength training enhances brain health by improving cognitive function, reducing the risk of depression, and increasing focus and mental clarity. Exercise triggers the release of hormones and growth factors that support neural health – making it a key part of maintaining a sharp and resilient mind throughout life.

Physiotherapy and Strength Training: A Personalised Approach

Of course, while strength training benefits everyone, not all programs are created equal. The key to success – and safety – is finding the right approach for your body, your goals, and your history.

That’s exactly where physiotherapists come in. Our physiotherapists are experts in movement, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. We design individualised strength programs that consider:

• Injury history: Past injuries or chronic pain conditions can influence how you move. We assess your movement patterns and address any weaknesses or compensations before increasing load.
• Current fitness and activity levels: Whether you’re a runner, a tennis player, or returning to exercise after a break, your program will match your current capacity and gradually progress as you improve.
• Lifestyle and goals: We create plans that fit into your life – whether that means short sessions at home, gym-based training, or integrating strength work into your favourite sport.

Building Strength, Confidence, and Longevity

Ultimately, a personalised strength program is about far more than just building muscle. It helps you move more efficiently, protect your joints, and improve energy and confidence in everyday life. It’s about more than building muscle – it’s about building resilience.

If you’re unsure where to start, or if you’ve struggled with injuries in the past, a physiotherapist can safely guide you through a program that fits your unique needs.

Ready to get stronger, move better, and feel your best?
Book an assessment with our physiotherapy team and start your personalised strength training journey today.

Celebrating 15 Years of Physiotherapy in Cammeray: Helping Our Community Move and Feel Better

Our Milestone

This year marks a special milestone for our team at Physio On Miller – 15 years of providing trusted physiotherapy in Cammeray! It’s incredible to look back on how far we’ve come, from our humble beginnings as a small physiotherapy clinic to the thriving multidisciplinary health hub we are today. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of people move better, recover faster, and live healthier, more active lives – and we couldn’t have done it without your ongoing support and trust.

Physiotherapy in Cammeray Over the Years

When we first opened our doors, physiotherapy looked a little different. Two decades ago, treatment was often more reactive – people came in after an injury, and the focus was largely on managing pain and restoring function once the problem had already taken hold. Since then, the field has evolved enormously. Advances in research, technology, and clinical understanding have reshaped the way we assess and treat the body. Today, we know that the best outcomes come from being proactive – identifying potential issues early, addressing movement patterns and muscle imbalances, and building resilience before injury occurs.

At Physio On Miller, we’ve always believed in the power of combining evidence-based hands-on treatment with tailored exercise programs. Manual therapy plays a key role in easing pain, improving mobility, and supporting recovery – but it’s the integration of specific, progressive exercises that truly helps people stay stronger for longer. Our treatment philosophy is all about empowering you with the knowledge and tools to take charge of your own health, not just fixing the problem but preventing it from coming back.

Our Exercise and Clinical Pilates Studio

A big part of that evolution has been the development of our dedicated Exercise and Pilates Studio, which has become the heart of our proactive approach. What began as a small space for basic rehabilitation exercises has grown into a full studio offering individualised exercise programs, clinical Pilates sessions, and small group Reformer and Mat classes designed to enhance strength, flexibility, and balance. We’ve seen first-hand how movement-based rehabilitation complements physiotherapy, helping clients transition from treatment to long-term wellness. Whether it’s rebuilding confidence after injury, improving posture, or enhancing performance in sport or daily life, our Pilates and exercise programs have become an integral part of our clients’ journeys.

Remedial Massage Therapy

As our clinic grew, so too did the services we offer. We’ve expanded our team early on and introduced remedial massage therapy, which has been a fantastic addition for both recovery and wellbeing. Massage not only helps to relieve tension and improve circulation, but it also works hand in hand with physiotherapy and exercise to maintain healthy, functional movement. By integrating all these elements under one roof, we’re able to provide a complete approach to health – one that looks after your body at every stage of recovery and performance.

Fifteen years of physiotherapy in Cammeray has given us more than just professional growth – it’s given us a deep connection to our community. We’ve shared in your milestones: from helping young athletes reach their goals, to supporting new parents through postnatal recovery, to keeping our older clients strong and mobile. We’re proud to have built lasting relationships based on trust, care, and results.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who’s been part of our journey – our clients, team members, and local partners who’ve supported us along the way. Here’s to 15 incredible years in Cammeray, and to many more years of helping you move, feel, and live your best.

Thank you for being part of the Physio On Miller family! We look forward to seeing you again soon in the clinic. If you would like to book an appointment to see our team, please click here.

Common Running Injuries and How Physiotherapy Can Help with Recovery and Prevention

Running Injuries: Why They Happen and How Physio Helps

Running is an excellent way to stay fit, but it’s also one of the leading causes of overuse injuries. At Physio On Miller, we see a wide range of common running injuries – often resulting from training overload, poor movement patterns, or muscular imbalances.

Whether you’re training for a race or simply enjoy jogging for fitness, recognising and treating injuries early is key. Even more important is understanding how to prevent running injuries before they interfere with your goals.

Top 5 Common Running Injuries We See

1. Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome):
   Pain around the kneecap, often due to poor alignment, weak hips or overuse.
2. Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome):
   Inner shin pain, typically linked to rapid increases in mileage or improper footwear.
3. IT Band Syndrome:
   Lateral knee pain caused by friction of the iliotibial band, often due to poor hip stability.
4. Achilles Tendinopathy:
   Achilles tendon pain or stiffness, common in runners who increase intensity too quickly.
5. Plantar Fasciosis:
   Sharp heel pain often caused by tight calves, poor foot mechanics or weak intrinsic foot muscles.

How Physiotherapy Helps Runners Recover

Our clinic takes a holistic physiotherapy approach, going beyond symptom relief. We thoroughly assess your movement, strength, training habits, and even lifestyle factors to design a truly personalised rehab plan for running injuries.

Treatment options include:

• Hands-on physio techniques to reduce pain and improve joint mobility
• Targeted rehab exercises to strengthen glutes, calves, and core
• Gait and running technique analysis
• Dry needling and sports massage to release tight muscles
• Pilates for runners to build long-term control and flexibility

Unlike “recipe” treatments, you’ll be actively involved in your recovery. Our aim is not just to get you pain-free, but to help you understand your body and feel empowered in your rehab.

Preventing Running Injuries Through Holistic Care

Prevention is just as vital as recovery. Once you’re out of pain, we focus on building strength, control, and resilience.

Our integrative team uses:

• 1:1 Clinical Pilates to improve form, balance and mobility
• Functional strength programs to correct imbalances and reduce injury risk
• Sports massage for runners to aid recovery and maintain tissue health
• Education and load management advice tailored to your goals

Whether you’re a new runner or training for your next marathon, we’ll help you build a body that’s strong, efficient, and injury-resistant.

Why Choose Our Clinic?

At Physio On Miller, your treatment is always individualised. We work collaboratively across physiotherapy, Pilates, and massage to deliver whole-person care – not quick fixes. Our experienced team supports you in understanding your injury, taking ownership of your rehab, and returning to running with confidence.

Ready to get back on track?

Book an appointment with our team and take the first step towards pain-free running and long-term injury prevention.