What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 9pm Tuesday 8:30am - 7pm Wednesday 8:30am - 9pm Thursday 8:30am - 7pm Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm Saturday 9am - 12pm

5th Element Sports Injury Clinic Sunderland and Durham

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5th Element Sports Injury Clinic Sunderland and Durham

If you wish to discuss anything with a member of the team, please call - 07753278904.

A team of skilled practitioners offering a variety of physical and manual therapies, including Physiotherapy, Osteopathy and Sports Massage to treat and manage all forms of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries over two locations in Durham and Sunderland. We are a team of skilled practitioners (including Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Sports Rehabilitators and Sports Massage Therapists) offering a variety of physical and manual therapies to help with all forms of musculoskeletal and sporting injuries over two locations in Durham and Sunderland.

14/03/2026

Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: What You Need to Know!

If you've ever felt a deep ache or pain at the top of your hamstring (right under your buttock) that flares up when running, sitting, or stretching, you might be dealing with Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT).

Mechanism of Injury:
PHT occurs due to repetitive overload of the hamstring tendon where it attaches to the ischial tuberosity (sit bone). This can be from:
- Sudden spikes in running volume (especially sprinting or hill running)
- Repetitive hip flexion (think deep lunges or stretching)
- Prolonged sitting, which compresses the tendon
- Poor biomechanics leading to excessive tendon strain

Signs & Symptoms:
- Deep ache or pain in the lower gluteal region
- Worse with prolonged sitting, sprinting, or stretching
- Tenderness at the ischial tuberosity
- Stiffness or discomfort when first moving after rest
- Pain that worsens with increased training load

Who’s at Risk?
- Runners (especially distance and sprinters)
- Athletes who do explosive movements (football, hockey, CrossFit)
- Those who overstretch the hamstrings (yoga, dance, gymnastics)
- People who sit for long periods (desk workers, long-haul drivers)

Take home message:
PHT is treatable with the right rehab plan! Avoid aggressive stretching, gradually strengthen the hamstrings, and modify your training load to keep that tendon happy.

If you're struggling with hamstring pain, book an appointment at - https://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/
#

13/03/2026

There’s nothing more powerful than finally getting answers 🙌

After months (sometimes years) of uncertainty, a clear diagnosis can be the first real step towards recovery and getting back to the things you love doing.

Ryan prides himself on taking the time to properly assess, explain what’s going on, and create a treatment plan that helps you move forward with confidence.

If you’ve been struggling with an injury that just isn’t improving, you don’t have to figure it out alone, we’re here to help! Don't wait any longer - book now: https://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/

11/03/2026

Reframing MRI Abnormalities (or maybe normalities as they should be called?)

Ryan has referred a few people for imagery already this year and the results came a little unexpected for the patients, so we thought it best to give you all a little insight.

MRI scans often show “abnormalities” (like disc bulges, degeneration, or tears), but many of these are a normal part of ageing — and don’t always cause pain.

What the research shows:
- Even in people without pain (asymptomatic), MRI findings are common:
- Spine: Up to 96% show disc degeneration, 50–84% show bulges.
- Shoulder: 55–72% have labral tears.
- Hip: 54% labral tears, 12% cartilage lesions.
- Knee: 43% cartilage lesions, 19% meniscal tears, 37% osteophytes.

What this means for patients:
- Treat the person, not the scan — pain and function matter more than the MRI picture.
- “Abnormal” doesn’t always mean harmful — many changes are normal with age.
- Don’t fear your MRI report — results should be explained in context, not as a diagnosis on their own.
- Your MRI is just one piece of the puzzle — not the whole story.

However, in some cases. a confirmative diagnosis through medical imagery is key to manageing those patients that require futher intervention when conversative therapy has failed.

As always context is key!!!

infographic designed by - J Heerey, A Culvernor and M Pazzinatto

10/03/2026

Tuesday Training Tips

Not progressing in the gym? lacking the energy to train? Suffering with poor mood?

Here's a really useful flow chart from outlining some recovery strategies based on your currently physical and mental state.

The goal - Not to feel S.H.I.T when training.

09/03/2026

✨ Meet Emma – Our Senior Soft Tissue Specialist ✨

With over 10 years of experience, Emma has built a reputation as one of the go-to soft tissue therapists in the North East, known for her exceptional technical skill in treating a wide range of soft tissue injuries.

Emma has spent much of her career working in clinical environments alongside physiotherapists, osteopaths and sports therapists, developing extensive knowledge and a broad treatment skill set. Her qualifications include Advanced Sports Massage (Level 4), Medical Acupuncture, Kinesiology Taping, IASTM, Dry Cupping, Spinal Manipulation and Pre & Post Natal Therapy, allowing her to tailor treatment to each individual patient.

Outside the clinic, Emma enjoys weight training, aerial arts, jewellery making, and sofa cuddles with the clinic's patient wellfare officer .

Book an appointment with Emma - https://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/

Swipe for Emma's clinical hours.

07/03/2026

✨ Meet Our New Physio – Monika Kisicka✨

We’re excited to welcome Monika to the team as a Senior Specialist MSK Physiotherapist.

Monika brings extensive experience from various settings including private practice, community care and military rehabilitation centres, supporting patient recovery from acute pain, post-surgery and complex MSK conditions.

She has a strong interest in sports injuries, manual therapy, and strength & conditioning, combining hands-on treatment with tailored rehabilitation to help patients get back to the activities they love.

As a high level footballer with nearly 20 years of playing experience, Monika understands the physical demands of sport and the importance of effective rehab.

We’re delighted to have her on board!

📅 Appointments available now - https://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/

06/03/2026

Gluteal Tendinopathy: What you need to know!

Gluteal tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain, particularly in runners and active individuals. But what actually happens in the body, and who’s most at risk?

Mechanism of Injury:
Gluteal tendinopathy is often caused by excessive compression and overload of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus tendons where they attach to the greater trochanter (outer hip bone).

Pathophysiology:
Unlike acute tendon tears, gluteal tendinopathy is a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain over the lateral hip, particularly when lying on the affected side
- Discomfort with prolonged standing, walking, or running
- Pain with hip movements like crossing legs or climbing stairs

Who’s at Risk?
- Women aged 40+ (postmenopausal hormonal changes may play a role)
- Runners and endurance athletes with high training loads
- Those with poor hip control or excessive hip adduction

The Good News? It’s Treatable!
With the right approach—including load management, strengthening exercises, and biomechanical corrections—gluteal tendinopathy can be effectively managed. Book here - https://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/

16/01/2026

One for senior massage therapist, Emma 🤗

Emma is trained in a wide range of techniques so whatever your ache, pain or ni**le she’s got the tools in her therapist toolbox to get you some relief

Book yourself an appointment with Emma today:

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk

Emma LJones
EHJ Massage Therapies

09/01/2026

Another 5 🌟 review

Let us know if we can help

Whatever your issue we are here to help

Book and manage your appointments via our booking system:

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk

08/01/2026

Good news for people with back pain!

Not all disc herniations need surgery — in fact, many can heal naturally over time.

A large review of studies looked at how often lumbar (lower back) disc herniations shrink or disappear on their own.

This research may be a few years old on but I still like to use it to inform patients of our body's innate ability to heal itself and potential results from a 'wait and see' approach over opting straight for surgery.

Research shows the probability of spontaneous regression:
✅ 96% for sequestrated discs
✅ 70% for extruded discs
✅ 41% for protrusions
✅ 13% for bulging discs

What does this mean for you?
* The body often has an incredible ability to heal itself.
* Conservative care — movement, physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms while the body does its work.
* Surgery is sometimes needed, but it’s not always the first step.

Stay active, stay patient, and trust the process.

Need some advice, guidance or symptomatic relief (like a nice massage!) get in touch

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk

06/01/2026

Tuesdsay testimonial !

Had the 60 minute consultation with Ryan last night at the Sunderland (Farringdon) site and left amazed at how knowledgeable he really is and how much he was able to help me in my first visit.

I now have a structured plan to follow that’s carefully tailored around me what’s going to make things a lot easier going forward.

Not only did he help with my initial issue he preformed a few adjustments to my upper back & neck what’s helped massively.

Ryan is a real master of his craft and if you’ve been having any issues don’t think twice about arranging a visit

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Think we can help with your issue, book an appointment today:

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk

04/01/2026

Ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your calf when sprinting or changing direction? That could be a calf strain — a really common injury in active people. Here’s the quick, clear breakdown.

What causes it?
Calf strains happen when the calf muscles are overstretched or contract forcefully, often during sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes of direction. Even a missed step or strong push-off can do it.

What’s actually happening?
The muscle fibres tear — sometimes tiny microtears, sometimes more serious damage. This leads to pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced strength.
• Mild: small tears, manageable pain
• Moderate: partial tear, noticeable swelling and weakness
• Severe: full rupture, significant pain and loss of function

Common signs
• Sudden sharp calf pain
• Swelling or bruising
• Pain when walking or pushing off
• Tightness or weakness
• Sometimes a “pop” at the moment of injury

Who’s most at risk?
Runners, jumping athletes, weekend warriors, older athletes, and anyone with tight calves or sudden spikes in training.

What to do next
Don’t push through it!!
Reduce load, avoid aggressive stretching, and get proper advice early.

The right rehab makes all the difference — not just for recovery, but for preventing it happening again.

Got tight calves or think you may have a strain?
Get yourself an appointment today:

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk

Address

1st Floor, 34 Front St, Framwellgate Moor, Durham/Anthony Road, Farringdon, Sunderland SR3 3HG
Durham
DH15EE

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 9pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 7pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 9pm
Thursday	8:30am - 7pm
Friday	8:30am - 6:30pm
Saturday	9am - 12pm

Website

http://5thelementsportsinjuryclinic.janeapp.co.uk/

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