Boronia Heights Physiotherapy

24/08/2026

20/08/2026

Cortisone Injections: What Are the Risks?

Cortisone injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are used to reduce inflammation and pain in joints and surrounding soft tissues. They may be injected into joints, bursae, tendon sheaths, or around painful structures. Direct injection into some tendons is usually avoided because steroids may weaken tendon tissue.

For the right condition, cortisone may provide useful short-term pain relief. However, possible risks include:

1. Temporary pain flare
Pain may increase for a day or two after the injection before settling.

2. Infection
Infection is rare but potentially serious. Sterile technique reduces this risk.

3. Tendon weakening
Repeated injections around some tendons may increase the risk of tendon weakening or rupture.

4. Cartilage effects
Repeated injections into the same joint may negatively affect cartilage, so frequency is often limited.

5. Skin changes
Skin lightening, thinning, or loss of fatty tissue around the injection site may occur.

6. Increased blood glucose
Steroid injections may temporarily raise blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes.

7. Systemic effects
Some people experience facial flushing, sleep disturbance, mood changes, or temporary increases in blood pressure.

Not every patient responds the same way. Some gain significant relief, while others notice little benefit.

Before having an injection, discuss your diagnosis, expected benefit, risks, previous injections, and medical history with your doctor. Physiotherapy can also help determine whether exercise, load modification, manual therapy, or other rehabilitation strategies should be part of your treatment plan. This helps ensure pain relief supports recovery rather than replacing rehabilitation.

10/08/2026

Pain is not always caused by damage

Pain does not always mean something is wrong with the body. Some people have disc bulges or joint changes on scans but feel no pain. Others have pain even when scans look normal.

This happens because pain is not just about injury. It is also about how the brain and nervous system process signals. Sometimes, the nervous system becomes too sensitive. It can continue to send pain messages even after the body has healed. This is known as central sensitisation.

If pain lasts for a long time after an injury has recovered, it may be due to this increased sensitivity. In these cases, focusing only on the injured area may not help.

Gentle exercise, relaxation, and breathing control can help calm the nervous system. Over time, this can reduce pain and improve function.

Understanding pain in this way helps people manage it more effectively, especially when traditional treatments do not work.

10/08/2026

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

The iliotibial band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to just below the knee. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. It occurs when this band becomes tight and rubs against the lower portion of the thigh bone, causing inflammation.

Common symptoms include an aching pain on the outside of the knee that worsens with continued activity. Pain may also radiate up the outside of the thigh. Risk factors include excessive training, inadequate warm-up, poor flexibility, and biomechanical factors like overpronation.

Treatment aims to reduce inflammation through ice, medication, and avoiding aggravating activities initially. Stretching and foam rolling the ITB and associated muscles is important, as is addressing any biomechanical issues with gait retraining or orthotic intervention if required. A gradual return to activity is recommended once the acute pain subsides.

03/08/2026

Overcoming Arthritis: Empowering Tips for Better Joint Health"

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide, causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. However, with the right approach, it is possible to manage arthritis symptoms and improve overall joint health.
One of the most effective strategies is to adopt a regular exercise routine tailored to your specific needs. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and light strength training can help reduce joint stress while improving flexibility and muscle strength. Consulting a physiotherapist is crucial to developing a safe and personalised exercise plan.

One of the most effective strategies is to adopt a regular exercise routine tailored to your specific needs. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and light strength training can help reduce joint stress while improving flexibility and muscle strength. Consulting a physiotherapist is crucial to develop a safe and personalized exercise plan.

Maintaining a healthy weight is also essential, as excess weight puts additional strain on your joints, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, fruits, and vegetables can also help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Physiotherapy interventions can provide significant relief by reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and strengthening supporting muscles. Your physiotherapist can recommend appropriate treatment modalities based on your specific condition.
Remember, early diagnosis and proactive treatment are key to managing arthritis effectively. By embracing these empowering tips and seeking professional guidance, you can take control of your joint health and improve your overall quality of life.

27/07/2026

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is a normal and important part of your body’s healing process after an injury. When you sprain a joint, strain a muscle, overload a tendon, or irritate soft tissue, your body sends extra blood, immune cells, oxygen, and repair chemicals to the injured area. This is your body’s way of protecting the area, clearing damaged tissue, and starting repair.

In the early stage, inflammation may cause swelling, warmth, stiffness, tenderness, or pain. These symptoms can feel worrying, but they do not always mean something is seriously wrong. In many cases, they are signs that your body has started its repair work.

However, inflammation needs the right balance. Too much rest can make the area stiff and weak. Too much activity too soon can irritate the tissue and delay recovery. This is why proper guidance matters.

Physiotherapy can help you understand what stage your injury is at, how much movement is safe, and how to gradually reload the area without making symptoms worse. The goal is not simply to “stop inflammation”, but to help your body move through the healing process properly.

Inflammation is not the enemy. It is the first stage of repair. The key is knowing how to manage it well so you can recover stronger, move better, and return to normal life with confidence.