Daniel White-Alikakos is the Director and Lead Physiotherapist at Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley, where he helps clients recover from injury, improve movement, and return to the activities they love. Holding a Doctor of Physiotherapy and a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Daniel specialises in sports injury rehabilitation, running assessments, and strength-based recovery programs. With over a decade of clinical experience and a background as an elite-level sprinter, he delivers evidence-based care tailored to athletes and active individuals of all levels.

Life in Mt Waverley keeps people moving. Between long hours at the desk, local sport, weekend gardening and family life, small niggles can turn into ongoing pain if they are ignored. At Leap Healthcare, our physiotherapists in Mount Waverley see a wide range of everyday injuries that can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Understanding these common conditions helps you recognise when to rest, when to move, and when to see your local physio in Mount Waverley for early treatment before things get worse.

The most common injuries we see in Mt Waverley

Here are some of the conditions our team treats most often and how physiotherapy can help.

1. Office-related neck and back pain

Working long hours at a desk or laptop can gradually cause muscle tension and stiffness, particularly through the neck, shoulders and lower back. Poor posture, limited breaks and incorrect workstation setup are major contributors.

Physiotherapy helps by restoring mobility, improving posture awareness and prescribing exercises that keep the spine supported throughout the day.

2. Sports injuries from weekend activity

Mt Waverley has a strong sporting community with locals taking part in football, tennis, running and gym training. We often see sprains, strains and overuse injuries such as hamstring tears, calf strains and rotator cuff irritation.

A physiotherapist can provide accurate diagnosis, hands-on treatment and a safe return to sport plan that prevents re-injury.

3. Knee and hip pain from load or alignment issues

Pain in the knees or hips often develops from muscle imbalances, sudden increases in activity, or weak core and glute strength. For some, it is caused by previous injuries or joint changes over time.

At Leap Healthcare, we assess strength, flexibility and movement patterns to find the real cause of pain. Individualised exercises and load management programs reduce stress on the joints and support long-term recovery.

4. Shoulder pain from work or home activities

Reaching, lifting or repetitive arm movements, even household chores or childcare, can aggravate the shoulder. Rotator cuff irritation and bursitis are two of the most common causes we treat.

Physiotherapy focuses on improving shoulder control, strengthening supporting muscles and reducing inflammation through targeted movement.

5. Foot and ankle pain from walking or running

Your feet and ankles take a lot of daily impact. Plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and Achilles irritation are frequent issues among locals who enjoy walking or running through Mt Waverley’s parks and trails.

Early assessment by a physiotherapist in Mount Waverley ensures the injury heals properly with the right balance of rest, stretching and strength work.

Why early physiotherapy matters

Ignoring early symptoms can turn a small issue into a chronic problem. Seeing a local physio near you helps you:

Recover faster through targeted treatment
Avoid compensations that lead to new pain
Understand how to manage your body long term
Get personalised care from professionals who understand your lifestyle and community

At Leap Healthcare, every treatment starts with a thorough assessment, followed by clear explanations and practical steps you can apply straight away.

What to expect from your first visit

During your first appointment at our Mount Waverley physiotherapy clinic, we will:

Discuss your symptoms and medical background
Perform a physical assessment to identify the cause
Create a treatment plan that fits your goals and daily schedule
Provide hands-on therapy and exercise guidance if appropriate

Our aim is to not only relieve pain but also equip you with the tools to prevent it returning.

When to book an appointment

If your pain lasts longer than a few days, interferes with sleep or limits movement, it is time to see a physiotherapist. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen, early care often means fewer visits and faster results.

Whether it is a sporting strain, work injury or postural tension, our team at Leap Healthcare in Mount Waverley is ready to help you move better and feel stronger.

Important information

This article provides general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified physiotherapist or GP for diagnosis and treatment guidance.