When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If you’ve been dealing with pain, stiffness, or an injury that just won’t go away, you might be wondering — is it time to see a physiotherapist?

Many people wait until discomfort becomes severe before seeking help, but early physiotherapy intervention can make a huge difference in your recovery. At Core Physio, we help people move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what they love — safely and confidently.

Understanding What Physiotherapy Does

Physiotherapy is about improving how your body moves and functions. It focuses on identifying the cause of pain, restoring mobility, and preventing future problems through evidence-based treatment.

A Chartered Physiotherapist can help with:

• Joint pain and stiffness in the neck, back, hips, knees, or shoulders

• Muscle aches, sprains, and strains

• Rehabilitation after injury or surgery

• Chronic pain management

• Improving posture and mobility

• Sports performance and injury prevention

Physiotherapy isn’t just about hands-on treatment — it’s a partnership between patient and practitioner. Every plan is designed around your needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Signs You May Benefit from Physiotherapy

You don’t have to be in severe pain to benefit from physiotherapy. Some of the most common reasons people come to Core Physio include:

• Ongoing pain that hasn’t resolved on its own

• A recent injury or sudden loss of mobility

• Recurring stiffness or weakness

• Pain that interferes with sleep or daily movement

• Recovery after surgery or medical treatment

• A desire to improve posture, flexibility, or strength

Physiotherapy can also help if you feel something “just isn’t right” — that subtle tightness or recurring ache that keeps returning. Early treatment often prevents bigger issues later on.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

During your first session at Core Physio, we’ll begin with a detailed assessment to understand your condition. This includes:

• A full discussion of your symptoms and goals

• Movement and posture assessment

• Strength, flexibility, and joint tests

• Diagnosis and explanation in clear, simple terms

From there, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan that may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle advice. Every plan is designed to be practical, manageable, and effective.

The Benefits of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help you:

• Relieve pain naturally, without medication

• Improve strength, flexibility, and coordination

• Speed up recovery after injury or surgery

• Prevent future injuries or relapses

• Restore confidence in your movement

Over time, you’ll not only feel better — you’ll move better. That’s the foundation of lasting recovery.

Why Choose Core Physio

At Core Physio, every treatment is one-to-one with a Chartered Physiotherapist. You’ll receive professional care, clear explanations, and a plan tailored entirely to your body and lifestyle.

We focus on long-term results, not quick fixes. Through a combination of hands-on therapy, exercise, and guidance, we help you build resilience, reduce pain, and regain your freedom of movement.

Our goal is simple — to help you move well, live well, and feel like yourself again.

Final Word

If you’re unsure whether physiotherapy can help, it’s always worth asking.
A quick consultation can save weeks — or even months — of discomfort.

At Core Physio, we’ll assess your situation, explain what’s happening, and start you on the most effective path to recovery.

👉 Book your physiotherapy consultation today and take the first step toward moving with ease and confidence again.

What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment

If you’ve never seen a physiotherapist before, it’s normal to feel unsure about what happens. Will it hurt? Do you need to bring anything? What exactly will they do?

Here’s a simple guide to your first physio session so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: The Conversation

Your physio will start by asking about:

• Your pain or injury history.

• Your lifestyle and activity levels.

• Your goals (e.g. pain-free walking, returning to sport, improved posture).

Step 2: The Assessment

This may include:

• Checking posture, strength, and flexibility.

• Observing how you move.

• Identifying which muscles or joints are involved.

Step 3: Treatment

Depending on your needs, treatment might involve:

• Hands-on therapy (massage, joint mobilisation, dry needling).

• Exercise prescription.

• Posture or ergonomic advice.

Step 4: Your Personal Plan

You’ll leave with:

• A clear diagnosis.

• Tailored exercises or stretches to do at home.

• A treatment plan, including follow-up sessions if needed.

Final Word

Your first physio session is nothing to be nervous about. It’s a collaborative process designed to give you answers, reduce your pain, and get you moving better.

👉 Ready to start your recovery? Book your appointment today.

The Best Desk Stretches to Beat Poor Posture and Neck Pain

Neck pain, tight shoulders, and lower back stiffness are now being called the “new smoking” of modern working life. If you spend hours at a desk, it’s no surprise your body complains.

The good news? Just a few simple stretches can undo a lot of that daily strain. Better still, physiotherapists can design posture and strengthening plans to stop desk pain becoming a bigger issue.

Why Desk Work Hurts Your Body

• Slouching forward strains your neck and upper back.

• Crossing legs affects your hip and lower back alignment.

• Sitting still too long reduces circulation and muscle activity.

Over time, this leads to stiffness, pain, and sometimes even nerve irritation.

3 Easy Desk Stretches You Can Try Today

1. Neck Rolls

   • Slowly roll your head side to side.

   • Hold gently at each side for 10–15 seconds.

2. Shoulder Rolls

   • Lift shoulders up toward your ears, then roll back and down.

   • Repeat 10 times to release tension.

3. Seated Spinal Twist

   • Sit tall, place one hand on the back of your chair, twist gently.

   • Hold for 20 seconds, repeat both sides.

How Physiotherapy Helps

While stretches give short-term relief, physios go deeper by:

• Assessing your posture and desk setup.

• Identifying weak or tight muscles.

• Creating a tailored exercise programme to restore balance.

• Teaching ergonomic tips for your workspace.

Simple Workplace Fixes

• Adjust your chair so feet are flat on the floor.

• Keep your monitor at eye level.

• Take movement breaks every 45–60 minutes.

Final Word

Your desk job doesn’t have to mean daily pain. With small changes and professional physio support, you can sit, work, and live more comfortably.

👉 Book a posture assessment today and feel the difference.

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in Ireland today. It’s estimated that 4 out of 5 people will experience it at some stage in their lives, and for many, it becomes a recurring issue that interferes with work, exercise, and even sleep.

While some back pain comes and goes on its own, persistent or severe pain often needs professional treatment. As physiotherapists, we see patients every week who wish they had come to us sooner. Knowing what typically causes back pain — and when to seek help — is the first step in managing it.

1. Poor Posture

The modern workplace is a major contributor to back pain. Hours spent sitting at a desk, driving, or hunching over a phone can strain the spine and supporting muscles. Poor posture can cause:

• Tightness in the neck and shoulders

• Weak core muscles

• Lower back stiffness

👉 Tip: Adjust your chair height, keep screens at eye level, and take short stretch breaks throughout the day.

2. Heavy Lifting and Manual Work

Incorrect lifting technique is another leading cause of sudden back pain. Whether it’s lifting weights at the gym, carrying shopping bags, or moving heavy boxes, poor form can strain the muscles or even injure the discs in your spine.

👉 Tip: Always bend your knees, keep the load close to your body, and avoid twisting your spine while lifting.

3. Sports Injuries

From rugby pitches to running tracks, sports injuries regularly bring people to physiotherapy clinics. Overtraining, sudden twists, falls, or direct impacts can all trigger back pain. Without proper rehab, these injuries often flare up again.

👉 Tip: Warm up properly, strengthen your core, and don’t push through pain — it’s your body’s way of asking for help.

4. Stress and Tension

Stress doesn’t just affect your mind — it has a real impact on your body. Many people carry tension in their back and shoulders, leading to tightness and even pain. Over time, this can create imbalances that worsen posture and movement.

👉 Tip: Breathing exercises, stretching, and regular activity can reduce tension. Physiotherapy can also release tight muscles and restore balance.

5. Underlying Conditions

Sometimes back pain is linked to medical conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or herniated discs. These require more targeted management but can still benefit hugely from physiotherapy to maintain mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen supporting muscles.

👉 Tip: Don’t ignore persistent pain or stiffness — early intervention is key.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s worth booking a physiotherapy appointment:

• Pain lasting more than a week

• Pain that keeps coming back

• Difficulty sleeping because of pain

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs

• Pain that stops you from working, exercising, or enjoying daily activities

How Physiotherapy Helps Back Pain

At your first physiotherapy session, we’ll:

• Assess your movement, posture, and lifestyle habits

• Identify the likely cause of your pain

• Use hands-on treatment (such as massage, mobilisation, or dry needling)

• Create a personalised exercise plan to restore strength and flexibility

• Teach you long-term strategies to prevent flare-ups

Final Word

Back pain might be common, but it doesn’t have to be something you “just live with.” With the right treatment and advice, you can get back to moving comfortably and confidently.

👉 If you’re struggling with back pain, book an appointment today — your future self will thank you.