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UpgradeIn this article, we explore five of the most common injuries and musculoskeletal problems seen in active, working and sports-participating adults.
We'll break down the:
All to help you better understand these conditions and what you can do to stay active, healthy and moving well.
- Let's dive in!
Low back pain is one of the most common and disabling health conditions worldwide. Research shows that around 12% of adults experience low back pain at any given time, while up to 40% will experience it at some point in their lives. It is more common in women and adults over the age of 40. (2)
Symptoms experienced with low back pain can include muscle aches and spasms, difficulty breathing, pain with movement, sharp/shooting or burning sensations and may radiate down the legs. Low back pain is generally classified as either specific or non-specific. Specific low back pain occurs when symptoms can be linked to a clear cause, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. However, these conditions account for only a small proportion of cases. Approximately 80–90% of cases are classified as non-specific low back pain, meaning there is no single identifiable cause. Instead, symptoms often result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. (2)
Several factors can increase the risk of developing non-specific low back pain, including prolonged standing, heavy lifting, obesity, depression, job dissatisfaction, and a previous history of back pain. Activities involving awkward postures, heavy manual tasks, or distraction during movement may also trigger a new episode. (2)
Current evidence recommends non-pharmacological approaches as first-line treatment. For acute low back pain, education, reassurance, and staying active are key components of care, while heat therapy, massage and taping may provide symptom relief. (2)
For people with chronic low back pain, education, exercise and behavioural therapies help reduce pain and improve function, supporting long-term recovery and overall wellbeing. Research suggests that many forms of exercise, including Pilates, can (2)
Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint seen in primary care and can significantly affect daily activities, work, and sport. The most frequently diagnosed shoulder conditions include rotator cuff syndrome, shoulder impingement, bursitis and biceps tendinitis (4). Symptoms experienced may include pain when moving the arm, weakness and reduced range of motion.
Intra-articular conditions involve structures inside the shoulder joint, such as frozen shoulder, which causes pain and stiffness of unknown origin, and osteoarthritis, where joint cartilage gradually wears down, leading to pain, reduced movement, and functional limitations. (4)
Anterior shoulder conditions affect structures at the front of the shoulder. These include long head of biceps pathology, which often occurs alongside rotator cuff or labral injuries, and labral tears, commonly seen in people who perform repetitive overhead activities, manual work, or following injuries such as a fall onto an outstretched hand (FOOSH). (4)
Subacromial conditions are among the most common causes of shoulder pain. These include rotator cuff disease, subacromial bursitis, and subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). These conditions may develop following trauma, repetitive overhead activities, or age-related changes and are often associated with pain when lifting or reaching overhead. (4)
Other shoulder injuries, such as acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprains, sternoclavicular sprains, and clavicle fractures, frequently occur during contact sports or after falls.
First-line treatment for many shoulder conditions, particularly subacromial pain and rotator cuff disorders includes exercise and manual therapy to improve pain and function in the short term. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may provide temporary pain relief. (4)
Early assessment and appropriate treatment can help individuals return to normal activities, reduce pain, and improve shoulder function.
Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition defined as pain in the neck, which may radiate into the arms. Many people with neck pain may also experience headaches or shoulder discomfort, although neck pain itself remains the primary complaint.
Neck pain is extremely common, with up to 70% of people expected to experience it at some point during their lifetime. Fortunately, for most individuals, symptoms do not significantly interfere with everyday activities or long-term participation in work, sport, or leisure activities. (6)
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing neck pain. These include previous trauma, workplace factors such as high stress, low job satisfaction, and poor workplace support, as well as psychological factors including depression and poor mental health. Smoking has also been identified as a significant risk factor. (6)
Manual therapy techniques, including mobilisations and massage may help to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore range of motion. These treatments are typically most effective when combined with exercise focusing on improving neck strength, endurance, and stability. (6)
Knee pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Given its structure and function causes can be an acute traumatic presentation or chronic conditions formed over time. The most common causes of knee pain include osteoarthritis (OA), patellofemoral pain (PFP), ligament injuries and meniscal tears. Symptoms may include swelling, instability, clicking, locking or giving way.
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition affecting the entire joint, rather than simply being a result of "wear and tear." It is particularly common in older adults, with risk factors including increasing age, obesity, female sex, and previous knee injury. Typical symptoms include pain during activity, short periods of morning stiffness, and reduced function. (3)
Treatments include exercise, weight management, education, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as first-line treatments. Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief, while knee replacement surgery is generally reserved for severe cases that have not responded to conservative management. (3)
Patellofemoral pain, often referred to as anterior knee pain is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents, athletes, and active adults. The pain is usually felt around or behind the kneecap and often develops gradually rather than after a specific injury. Common symptoms include discomfort during activities such as running, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, or sitting for long periods. (3)
Several factors may contribute to the development of patellofemoral pain. Changes in training load, alterations in running or squatting technique, different footwear, weight changes, previous knee injuries, and prolonged periods of sitting or standing can all play a role. (5)
Exercise therapy remains the most effective long-term treatment for patellofemoral pain, whilst activity modification and patellar taping may provide short erm relief (3)
Pain is felt on the outside of the knee. Most commonly experienced in runners and cyclists, with pain aggravated by activities with repeated knee flexion, including running downhill, climbing stairs. Contributing factors may include iliotibial band tightness, foot over pronation and knee varum (1)
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries most commonly occur through a non-contact pivoting mechanism when the foot is planted and the knee is subjected to valgus and rotational forces, often during sports involving cutting or sudden changes in direction, such as football. (7)
Patients frequently report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by rapid knee swelling, pain, and impaired mobility and weight-bearing for several weeks. (1)
While symptomatic instability remains the primary indication for surgical reconstruction, the decision for early surgery versus a trial of non-operative rehabilitation should be based on an individualised assessment (1).
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain is a common knee injury that typically results from acute trauma causing a valgus stress to the knee, such as a misstep or collision. (7)
Patients usually experience immediate pain and swelling along the medial (inner) aspect of the knee following the injury. Symptoms are often localised to the MCL region and may be associated with tenderness and instability depending on the severity of the sprain. (7)
A lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain is less common than an MCL injury and typically occurs when a varus stress is applied to the knee, such as when a runner plants one foot and pivots toward the same side. (7)
Patients usually report the sudden onset of lateral (outer) knee pain, which often necessitates immediate cessation of activity. Tenderness over the LCL and varying degrees of instability depending on the severity of the injury. (7)
The meniscus is a cartilage structure in the knee that helps absorb shock and stabilise the joint. Meniscal tears can occur either acutely, often from a sudden twisting injury or change in direction during activities such as running, or gradually due to age-related degeneration, particularly in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. (3)
Common symptoms include localised knee pain, swelling, and episodes of catching, clicking, or locking of the knee, especially during squatting or twisting movements. Patients with degenerative meniscal tears may also experience recurrent knee pain and mechanical symptoms over time. (7)
Tendinopathies around the elbow are a common source of pain and functional limitation, particularly among athletes and working-age adults. Symptoms often develop gradually without a specific injury, although they may occur following repetitive activities that place excessive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. (4)
Tennis elbow is the most common cause of pain on the outside of the elbow. It most commonly occurs in adults aged 30 to 65 years and affects men and women equally. Although often associated with racquet sports, tennis elbow frequently develops in people who perform repetitive or forceful gripping, lifting, or wrist movements at work or during recreational activities.
The main symptom is pain around the outside of the elbow, which may gradually worsen and radiate down the forearm. Symptoms are often aggravated by activities involving repetitive wrist extension, gripping, or lifting. Risk factors include repetitive activities, smoking, obesity, and diabetes. (4)
Fortunately, tennis elbow is often a self-limiting condition, that responds well to conservative treatments, which include activity modification, ice or heat therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), manual and exercise therapy, and the use of elbow braces, which may help reduce stress on the affected tendons.
Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is less common than tennis elbow. It typically occurs in adults aged 40 to 60 years and is more common in women. (4)
Symptoms usually develop gradually and include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes accompanied by mild swelling. Pain is often aggravated by gripping, wrist flexion, throwing activities, or repetitive manual tasks. Similar to tennis elbow, repetitive movements, smoking, and obesity are recognised risk factors. (4)
Treatment for golfer's elbow is generally similar to that of tennis elbow, focusing on reducing aggravating activities, improving tendon capacity through exercise, and gradually returning to normal activities.
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