Part 2: How Physios Read Your Walk — And Get To The Bottom Of The Problem

Finding the Real Problem (Not Just the Sore Spot)

When you come in with pain, of course that’s where we start. But what many people don’t realise is that your pain is often the result of something else not doing its job — somewhere else in the body.

Your stiff neck could be because your pelvis isn’t moving well.
Your recurring knee pain might come from an old ankle injury.
It’s all connected — like a chain. And if one link is off, the others feel it.

Our job as physios is to find the driver of the problem — the real source — and help your body work more efficiently and optimally. 

What Happens in a Session?

Once we’ve observed your movement, we’ll test the areas we suspect are contributing.

• We might gently release tight areas, mobilise stiff joints, or work to strengthen weak areas.
• Then we reassess — does it change how you move?
• If yes, we’re on the right track. If not, we might need to consider another body region. 

We are detectives, constantly testing our hypotheses — and most importantly, we’re working with you. We’ll explain what we’re doing and why, in simple terms, so it makes sense to you too.

Why This Approach Matters

Many people live with discomfort they think is “just them” — tight hips that never completely loosen up, a back that flares up every few months, a shoulder that always hurts when they sleep on it.

They may have seen therapists before who only treated the pain, not the cause.

But when we start looking at the bigger picture and treating the why, things can really change. You’ll not only feel better, but move more efficiently, feel stronger, and be less prone to flare-ups.

It’s Not Just About Pain Relief

Getting you out of pain is important. But what I am most passionate about is helping you understand your body,  feel more confident in it, and know what you can do to keep it working and functioning optimally — not just now, but in the long-term.

Because once you know what’s driving your symptoms, you know what to look out for. 

You’re no longer a victim to unpredictable episodes of pain from seemingly benign activities. 

You’re in control.

It all starts with looking at how you walk and move! 

About the Author

Emma Martel (Lee) — Consultant Physiotherapist

Emma values the importance of listening to her patients to fully understand their symptoms and treatment goals. Through skilled biomechanical analysis of the whole body, her objective lies not only in treating symptoms but identifying the true origin of the problem and working with her patients to prevent future episodes of pain and injury.

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