The Top 3 Reasons People See a Physiotherapist – And Why These Problems Are So Common

Physiotherapists see a wide range of injuries and complaints every week, but when you step back and look at the bigger picture, most appointments fall into just a few familiar categories.

Whether someone is coming in under ACC after an injury or seeking help for ongoing pain that hasn’t resolved, the underlying reasons are often the same. Pain develops gradually, movement becomes restricted, and everyday tasks start to feel harder than they should.

Understanding the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist and why these issues often keep coming back can help you take action earlier and avoid long-term setbacks.

Lower Back Pain: The Most Common Complaint by Far

Lower back pain remains the single most common reason people seek physiotherapy treatment in New Zealand. It affects people of all ages and activity levels, from office workers and parents to tradies and athletes.

Many people describe back pain as something that “just happened.” They might bend down, stand up from a chair, or wake up one morning unable to move comfortably. While the pain can feel sudden, it’s rarely random.

In most cases, back pain develops due to a combination of prolonged sitting, repetitive movement, poor lifting mechanics, reduced core and hip strength, and accumulated fatigue. Modern lifestyles place constant low-level stress on the spine, particularly when movement variety is limited.

What makes back pain especially frustrating is its tendency to recur. People often rest until symptoms ease, then return to normal life without addressing the underlying issue. Without improving strength, movement control, and load tolerance, the back remains vulnerable. This is why many people experience flare-ups every few months, even if scans show “nothing serious.”

Physiotherapy helps by identifying the true driver of pain rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Treatment typically involves restoring normal spinal movement, improving strength through the hips and trunk, and retraining everyday movements such as lifting, bending, and sitting. When managed properly, most back pain resolves well and becomes far less likely to return.

Shoulder Pain: Often Gradual, Often Persistent

Shoulder pain is another leading reason people see a physiotherapist and one of the most common ACC-related presentations. Unlike a clear injury such as a fall, shoulder pain often develops slowly, making it easy to ignore at first.

People commonly notice pain when lifting their arm overhead, reaching behind their back, or sleeping on the affected side. Over time, strength may reduce and certain movements begin to feel restricted or “pinchy.”

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that relies heavily on muscle coordination for stability. When posture is poor, strength is lacking, or movement patterns are inefficient, certain structures –  particularly the rotator cuff tendons can become overloaded.

Desk-based work, repetitive arm use, gym training, and sudden increases in activity all contribute. Many people attempt to manage shoulder pain by resting or avoiding movement altogether, which often leads to further weakness and prolonged symptoms.

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring balanced shoulder function. This includes strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, improving posture and movement control, and gradually rebuilding load tolerance. When addressed early, most shoulder injuries recover fully without the need for injections or surgery.

Knee and Lower Limb Injuries: Common ACC Claims That Often Start Small

Knee pain, ankle sprains, and lower limb injuries make up a large proportion of physiotherapy visits and ACC claims. These issues commonly arise during increases in activity, such as starting a new exercise routine, returning to sport, or increasing walking or running volume.

Many people first notice discomfort during activities like climbing stairs, squatting, running, or standing up from a seated position. Others may experience lingering symptoms following an ankle sprain or minor knee injury that never fully resolved.

The lower limbs absorb significant force with every step. When strength, control, or alignment is compromised, tissues such as tendons and joints are exposed to excessive load. Weakness through the hips and glutes, reduced ankle mobility, and previous injuries all increase the risk of ongoing problems.

A common mistake is relying solely on rest. While pain may settle temporarily, the underlying issue often remains. When activity resumes, symptoms quickly return.

Physiotherapy helps by progressively rebuilding strength and control through the entire lower limb, not just the painful area. Treatment focuses on restoring movement quality, improving load tolerance, and guiding a safe return to activity. This approach not only resolves current pain but also reduces the risk of recurrence.

Why These Problems Keep Coming Back

Although back pain, shoulder injuries, and lower limb issues affect different parts of the body, they share a common pattern. Most people are not injured because something is “wrong” with their body. Instead, pain develops when the demands placed on the body exceed its current capacity.

Modern life often involves long periods of sitting, repetitive tasks, and sudden bursts of activity without adequate preparation. When early warning signs are ignored, small issues can turn into persistent problems.

Physiotherapy works because it addresses the root cause. Rather than masking symptoms, it builds resilience through strength, movement efficiency, and confidence in the body.

The Value of Early Physiotherapy and ACC Support

ACC supports early physiotherapy intervention because outcomes are consistently better when injuries are managed early. Addressing pain before it becomes chronic often results in faster recovery, fewer appointments, and better long-term function.

Seeing a physiotherapist early can reduce time off work, minimise disruption to daily life, and prevent minor injuries from becoming ongoing problems.

Physiotherapy is not just about relieving pain. It helps people understand their bodies, move with confidence, and return to activities they enjoy without fear of re-injury.

Whether you’re dealing with an ACC injury, persistent discomfort, or simply want to move better, physiotherapy provides a structured, evidence-based pathway forward.

The Key Takeaway

Lower back pain, shoulder injuries, and knee or lower limb problems account for the majority of physiotherapy visits in New Zealand. These issues are common because modern lifestyles place ongoing demands on the body without adequate preparation or recovery.

Physiotherapy helps by identifying the underlying cause, restoring strength and movement, and reducing the likelihood of recurring pain.

If something doesn’t feel right, early assessment can make a meaningful difference.

Visit The Physio Depot, 20B Hall Street, Pukekohe, and book a session with Rebecca Mooney for personalised treatment that helps you move better, feel stronger, and prevent minor injuries from becoming long-term problems.