This patient’s story relates to a 35-year-old female, who attended goPhysio with calf pain.

When she first came to see Physio Charlotte, she described her pain as a muscular tightness in her calf, spreading up into her hamstring and buttock area.

Her pain had started within 24 hours of a weights session at the gym. She booked and attended her first appointment within 3-4 days of the pain starting.

More about her symptoms

The patient’s pain was intermittent and varied depending on certain activities. It was causing her to wake at night, and she found it difficult to get comfortable. Night-time was the most problematic time, whereas she barely noticed the pain during the day. 

What was causing her pain?

At her first appointment, Charlotte carried out a full and detailed assessment and it became clear that the source of the pain into her leg was her lower back, due to an impingement of a nerve in that area. Charlotte started her treatment during that first session and the patient was also given some exercises to do at home.

By the time she came for her second appointment, four days later, she had been sleeping without a problem and had no leg pain. She was acutely aware of her lower back (the source of the problem).  With subsequent treatment, we have seen a continued improvement. Treatments during the sessions have included myofascial release techniques, home exercises, soft tissue work, mobilisations, postural advice, and trigger point work.

The patient is counting to work on exercises for her lower back area to help ensure she reduces the risk of the injury returning.

goPhysio provided my treatment in a clean, welcoming environment.  My physiotherapist, Charlotte, was excellent.  She listened to my description of symptoms and identified the source of my pain after taking a detailed history and conducting an initial examination.  During treatment she always explained what she was doing and why, which helped me to better understand my recovery goals.  I am delighted with my progress to date and look forward to continuing positive progress.

Carol, November 2020