Where does it hurt?
Pick the area where you feel pain. Each one lists the conditions commonly associated with pain there, and the physiotherapy used for them.
This is not a diagnosis
This map is a starting point for reading, not a diagnosis. It shows conditions that are commonly associated with pain in each area — it cannot tell you which one you have, and pain in one place often comes from another. If your pain is severe, worsening, follows an injury, or comes with numbness, weakness, fever or loss of bladder or bowel control, seek medical care rather than reading further.
Every area, in words
Neck
The cervical spine and the muscles around it — the area between the base of the skull and the top of the shoulders.
Commonly associated with: Neck pain, Cervical spondylosis, Whiplash, Radiculopathy, Posture correction
Shoulder
The shoulder joint, the rotator cuff muscles around it, and the shoulder blade that the whole joint moves on.
Commonly associated with: Shoulder pain, Frozen shoulder, Rotator cuff injury, Tendinopathy
Elbow
The elbow joint and the forearm tendons that attach on either side of it.
Commonly associated with: Tennis elbow, Golfer's elbow, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Tendinopathy
Wrist & hand
The wrist joint, the carpal tunnel, and the tendons of the thumb and fingers.
Commonly associated with: Carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's & trigger finger, Ganglion cysts, Rheumatoid & chronic pain
Chest & ribs
The rib cage, the muscles between the ribs, and the breathing mechanics that depend on them.
Commonly associated with: Thoracic spine pain, Posture correction, Kyphosis
Hip
The hip joint, the pelvis, and the muscles that stabilise you when you stand on one leg.
Commonly associated with: Hip pain, Hip replacement rehab, Hip dysplasia, Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Knee
The knee joint, the kneecap, and the ligaments and cartilage inside and around it.
Commonly associated with: Knee pain, Knee replacement rehab, ACL injury, Meniscus tear, Arthritis
Ankle & foot
The ankle joint, the arch of the foot, and the tendons that support both.
Commonly associated with: Foot & ankle pain, Plantar fasciitis, Ankle sprain, Achilles tendinopathy, Flat feet
Upper back
The thoracic spine and the muscles between the shoulder blades — the area that stiffens with desk work.
Commonly associated with: Thoracic spine pain, Kyphosis, Scoliosis, Posture correction
Lower back
The lumbar spine, the discs between its vertebrae, and the muscles that support it.
Commonly associated with: Back pain, Slipped disc, Sciatica, Lumbar spondylosis, Spinal stenosis, Spondylolisthesis
Buttock & pelvis
The gluteal muscles, the sacroiliac joints, and the deep muscles the sciatic nerve runs through.
Commonly associated with: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, Piriformis syndrome, Sciatica, Hip pain
Thigh & hamstring
The muscles at the front and back of the thigh, and the tendons attaching them at hip and knee.
Commonly associated with: Muscle strain, Sports injury rehabilitation, Sciatica, Radiculopathy
Calf & shin
The calf muscles, the shin, and the Achilles tendon running down to the heel.
Commonly associated with: Achilles tendinopathy, Shin splints, Muscle strain, Peripheral neuropathy
The only way to know is an assessment
A first visit at Modern Physio starts with history and physical assessment — not a machine — and you leave with an explanation in plain language and a plan you agree to.