Real Recovery. Real Results.
Explore how physiotherapy has helped our clients reduce pain, regain confidence, and return to the activities they love. These real-world case studies show how we use expert assessment, hands-on care, and personalised rehabilitation here Hyde Park Physiotherapy.
💬 Note on Consent
Each person’s story, clinical details, and all shared material are published their full informed consent. Their words are quoted directly and used with permission.
Case Study: ITB Syndrome in a Runner and CrossFit Enthusiast in Her 20s
Presenting Problem: Chronic ITB Syndrome and Knee Pain
Saskia, a 25-year-old recreational runner and CrossFitter, had been struggling with a running injury for three years when she came for physio. She had bilateral iliotibial band syndrome (aka ITBS, sometimes also called ITBFS) — a condition causing sharp pain around her knees, especially during runs, descending stairs, or even sitting for extended periods.
“[I had] ITBS in both knees. This resulted in excruciating pain when running for distances over 500m, hiking (especially on the downhills), or sitting for long periods. The problem persisted despite seeing various specialists before I consulted with Carmen.” — Saskia
The Frustration of Running Pain and Dead-End Treatments
The long journey without clear answers left her physically limited and mentally defeated.
“It was so demotivating. With every new physio or biokineticist and no improvement to an injury that should go away 80% of the time, I thought I would never be able to run again at the age of 25.”
Treatment Plan: A Multi-Disciplinary Path to Recovery
On assessment, Saskia’s ITB syndrome was driven by a combination of movement inefficiencies linked to long-limb biomechanics, stiffness in her hips and ankles, and altered running mechanics. Early physio focused on managing load and building strength, coordination, and mobility — both in sessions and through tailored home exercises, which we later adapted to suit her CrossFit environment.
When her progress plateaued, we referred her to a sports physician and then to an orthopaedic surgeon. She was eventually diagnosed with chronic ITBS requiring bilateral ITB release surgery.
“They were the first physios to refer me to a sports physician and later a surgeon when the problem persisted. [After surgery,] the support involved post-surgery rehab and a plan to get back into running.”
Turning Point: Realising You’re Running Pain-Free After Years of Struggle
Saskia returned to physio for management and rehab after her early post-surgical recovery. And we started back with the basics – managing and protecting the healing tissue, then building strength and mobility, training running patterns, and finally reintroducing impact.
We worked and liaised with her surgeon throughout her recovery and rehab. When the surgeon gave the go-ahead, roughly three months post-surgery, Saskia started a progressive return-to-run program.
“I was using the run progression plan given by Carmen to build up to running consistently for 30 mins. I was a few weeks into this program and every run felt amazing (even with walking). On one week I was able to run past the 500m mark with no pain or discomfort – that was the first time I started to have a bit of hope that everything was working.”
Clinically, this was when we saw consistent pain-free loading through the knee — confirming successful surgical intervention along with steady gains in strength and functional movement control.
Outcome: Life After ITB Surgery and Rehab…Back to Distance Running!
Today, Saskia is back to running pain-free. She was so involved in her recovery, and maintained consistent rehab and strength work, even as she was getting back into normal training – a really rewarding client to work with! In the year following surgery, she has built up to 14km runs and is training for the Two Oceans Half Marathon.
“It feels amazing. I can run with no pain and have even tackled a 14km in the past year. The plan is to do the Two Oceans 21km in April.”
Physio Insight:
ITBS can often be managed conservatively — but persistent cases like Saskia’s need timely escalation and collaborative care. Rehab after surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. As is the patient being involved and committed to their recovery.
Struggling with persistent knee pain or running injuries?
Book an assessment with our experienced physio — we’ll help you move forward with clarity and a plan.
Case Study: Competitive Padel Player Returning to Sport After Partial Tendon Tear (Tennis Elbow)
Presenting Problem: 7mm Elbow Tendon Tear After Intense Padel Training
George, an avid padel player with big goals for 2024, was referred for physiotherapy after developing worsening elbow pain. An ultrasound scan confirmed a partial intrasubstance tear of the common extensor tendon, with 7mm retraction — a classic case of lateral epicondylalgia, also known as “tennis elbow’.
“I tore my tendon at my elbow. The scan showed a 7mm tear. I was referred to Carmen Baier after receiving 3 PRP Injections” — George
“I Had Big Goals for Padel — This Injury Threw Me”
George described the early stages of the injury as mentally tough — the uncertainty around recovery was deeply frustrating.
“It was highly disappointing — I’d found a sport I thoroughly enjoyed and had major goals set for 2024. [After the diagnosis,] I wasn’t sure how it would set me back on my ‘vision for Padel excellence’ (cue laughter).”
Treatment Plan: A Whole-Body Rehab Plan for Long-Term Return to Padel
Assessment showed that along with the tear, George had some stiffness in his midback, and weakness in the functional chain of the shoulder and arm that work with the elbow. George’s treatment plan addressed not only the local tendon injury but the broader upper-quarter biomechanics contributing to his injury. Initial rehab involved hands-on treatment, targeted exercise progression, and load management — plus rest from racket work (the hardest part!). His wider support system of a coach and trainer was incorporated to maintain full-body conditioning.
“From the start, my experience was of everything going according to plan… Carmen explained things clearly, emailed me the exercises, and was well versed in deciphering my limited capability to articulate how my arm was feeling during our check-ins.”
His treatment plan also included dietary review to support healing, and close monitoring of loading parameters as racket work was reintroduced.
Turning Point: Seeing Step-By-Step Progress From the First Session
From the beginning, George saw the plan unfolding with purpose — each session building on the last, bringing small but meaningful improvements.
“From the first session I saw the beginning of the plan. The second session built slightly on the plan. I could see that there would be small steps towards recovery.”
Clinically, in these first few sessions we were using neuroplastic exercises to control pain and slowly build load tolerance in the tendon. George was also gaining strength in the shoulder and mid-back mobility was improving. Things were on track to reduce overload on the injured elbow.
Outcome: Back on Court Playing Padel Four Times a Week
Through the rest of treatment, we incrementally increased tendon loading, added speed work, reintroduced plyometrics, and then followed a graduated return to racket work. (Which tested George’s discipline no end!)
Fourteen weeks post-diagnosis, George is back on the padel court, playing four times a week and steadily increasing strength and endurance. His result is in no small part due to the work he put in daily, and his willingness to take a break from padel long enough to allow adequate healing and strengthening before going back to playing.
“I’m playing at 90% capacity and see my strength improving week after week.”
Physio Insight:
Lateral elbow injuries often need more than local treatment — they’re an upper-quarter issue. Progressive loading AND targeting the whole kinetic chain are key to long-term recovery. Often along with some strategic rest…
Struggling with tennis elbow or elbow pain from sport?
Book a session with our experienced physio and get a tailored recovery plan that works.
Case Study: Returning to Running After Anterior Knee Pain
Presenting Problem: Ongoing Hip and Knee Pain After Surgery
Nerissa, an avid runner, came to Hyde Park Physiotherapy after nearly two years of chronic pain and frustration following hip surgery. Despite consulting multiple specialists, including a biokineticist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, and sports surgeon, she still struggled with debilitating anterior knee pain that made walking uncomfortable and running impossible.
“I used to be an avid runner but struggled to get back into running after the surgeries. I prepared myself for a sedentary life which was not what I wanted!” — Nerissa
She had reached a point of near burnout — emotionally and physically drained from repeated setbacks and exhausted by the process of starting over with each new practitioner.
Overwhelm and Loss of Confidence
Nerissa walked into her first session feeling skeptical, overwhelmed, and emotionally low.
“They day I walked into Carmen’s office I was feeling quite low, and dreading having to explain my medical history to a new specialist AGAIN. I’m sure I was quite rude!”
Despite her hesitance, she recalls being met with patience, genuine care, and a thoughtful approach that felt different from previous experiences.
“Carmen has this amazing way to see beyond what physical problems you may have. She sees what matters to you and works WITH you to reach your goals.”
Treatment Plan: A Gradual, Strength-Based Recovery Strategy
From a clinical perspective, Nerissa’s knee pain was a classic presentation of anterior knee pain — often considered a “volume injury.”
Every time the quadriceps contract (e.g., during walking or running), they pull on the kneecap, which in turn loads the joint. If strength is lacking, or volume of activity changes too quickly (up or down), pain can result.
Initial assessment showed significant weakness in her hip, thigh, and calf muscles, especially her quadriceps and hip flexors. Pain inhibition also made it difficult to assess her full movement patterns.
“An exercise which seemed so simple. Sitting on the floor and lifting one leg at a time off the floor. I could not do it! It felt ridiculous, not being able to lift my leg. I realized this is one of the core problems, causing my knee pain.”
Initially we focused on strength building (especially quads and hip flexors), low-volume walking program at pain-free levels, and then gradually added progressive neuromuscular drills to re-pattern movement.
Turning Point: Trust Returning Through Small Wins
A few weeks into her program, Nerissa was shocked to find that she could now easily do the same exercise that once felt impossible.
“A few sessions later, this is now something I can do with relative ease. Such a small thing but it meant so much to me.”
With each week of progress — and encouragement through gentle but consistent check-ins — her strength improved, and her pain subsided. We gradually added running-patterning-exercises and then slowly added impact training.
The breakthrough came when we cleared her to begin a return-to-running program.
“After a few months, Carmen made me cry when she gave me the go-ahead to start a running program again. I honestly thought I was never going to be able to run again! The joy is indescribable, I am running again!”
Outcome: Back to Running — and Back to Herself
Nerissa is now running again, rebuilding her confidence, and looking forward to racing again in the near future.
“I can’t wait to do my first 10km race which I’m hoping to do next year.”
From the physio’s standpoint, it was truly rewarding to see Nerissa’s trust in her body return, one step at a time. Her commitment and openness were key to her recovery.
Physio Insight:
Anterior knee pain is rarely “just” about the knee. Volume management, strength, and load tolerance are often the missing links — and these require more than quick fixes. A tailored plan, gradual exposure, and support along the way made all the difference in Nerissa’s case.
Struggling with knee pain that’s keeping you from the activities you love?
Let’s work together to build a plan that works for your life. Book an appointment →
When busy professionals get injured it’s hard for them to make time for treatment. Our physios build a recovery plan around each person’s lifestyle and training goals. Aiming to give each person great recovery, with time to work, train, and play.
+27 11 325 4134
Pain | Sports Injury | Pilates
