Joint Pain

At Spine Plus, we treat joint pain throughout the body. Our osteopaths and physiotherapists are trained to identify the precise pain generator in each joint and the underlying factors contributing to tissue damage, rather than simply treating the site of pain.

For many joint conditions, the cause is not just local, it involves biomechanical factors at nearby joints, muscular imbalances, or loading patterns that drive ongoing tissue stress. Our assessments look at the whole picture.

TMJ / Jaw Joint Pain

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sits just in front of the ear and allows the jaw to open, close and move from side to side. The joint can become inflamed, arthritic, or develop internal disc problems, causing pain in the jaw, face, ear and head.

Treatment typically includes dry needling of the muscles of mastication, intra-oral massage, and where necessary, advice on splinting for teeth grinding (bruxism). Many patients find significant relief within a small number of sessions.

Shoulder Pain

Shoulder problems are among the most common joint complaints we see. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, which makes it susceptible to a range of conditions including:

• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Rotator cuff disorders and tendinopathy
• Calcific tendinopathy
• Bursitis
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Post-operative rehabilitation

Our clinicians identify the precise pain generator and contributing factors. Treatment includes manual therapy, muscle balance exercise, focused shockwave or laser therapy where indicated, and where appropriate, advice on shoulder supports and activity modification.

Elbow and Wrist Pain

Elbow and wrist pain, including tennis elbow, golfer's elbow and repetitive strain injury, can become very persistent without the right treatment. Modern approaches include dry needling, shockwave therapy, deep massage, corrective exercises and load management strategies that address the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms.

We also treat DeQuervain's syndrome (thumb tendon pain), tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from a number of structures and is not always felt directly in the hip. Common presentations include:

• Adductor tendinopathy and groin strain
• Femoral acetabular impingement (FAI)
• Buttock pain and referred pain from the lumbar spine
• Trochanteric bursitis (outer hip pain)
• Hip arthritis

Treatment involves a combination of massage, shockwave therapy, dry needling, rehabilitation exercises, and where needed, injection therapy.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is very common and often linked to issues elsewhere in the kinetic chain. Poor foot mechanics or hip weakness can alter the way forces pass through the knee, contributing to pain. We assess the whole lower limb, not just the knee itself.

Conditions we treat include:

• Cartilage damage (meniscus tears)
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee)
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Ligament injuries
• Bursitis

Treatment includes manual therapy, acupuncture, shockwave therapy and individually tailored rehabilitation. We also offer gait scanning to evaluate lower limb biomechanics.

Foot and Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle problems including ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis (heel pain) are common and often undertreated. Therapeutic ultrasound, taping, massage, shockwave therapy and rehabilitation exercises form the basis of our treatment approach. Custom orthotics are available following gait analysis where biomechanical correction would benefit recovery.