About me
Director of Services | Certified Sports Physiotherapist
I can help you especially when pain is affecting your training or movement, the same problem keeps returning, or previous treatment has not resolved it. During your appointment, my aim is to identify what is causing the problem and, most importantly, what we can do about it.
You may benefit from an appointment if:
- pain returns whenever you increase your training or physical activity
- pain in your leg, hip, pelvis or back is limiting your movement
- you have an overuse injury or a long-term problem
- previous rehabilitation has not produced the results you hoped for
- you are returning to training after an injury
- your movement, technique or training load seems to be causing problems
- you need custom-made foot orthotics as part of your rehabilitation
What is causing the pain?
I do not want to focus only on the area where you feel pain. I assess how you move, how you produce and absorb force, and how well your body tolerates the demands placed on it. The key is often to identify the factors that are causing the problem or preventing it from improving.
My main areas of expertise are pain and injuries affecting the lower limbs and pelvis, overuse injuries, and persistent or recurring problems. I also pay close attention to how the core and pelvis function and how breathing affects movement and the body’s ability to manage physical load.
The goal of rehabilitation is simple: your body needs to be able to cope with what you ask it to do. For an athlete, being pain-free is not enough. The leg, back or other affected area must also be able to tolerate running, jumping, changing direction, strength training and the demands of your sport.
When appropriate, I also provide custom-made foot orthotics. I do not view orthotics as a separate product, but as one possible part of the rehabilitation process. If orthotics would be beneficial, I design and make them based on a thorough assessment.
Physiotherapy for athletes
I am a certified sports physiotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. I also teach sports physiotherapy and sports taping and have worked with athletes for many years.
My strongest area of expertise is helping with problems that do not seem to resolve. The pain continues, the same injury keeps returning, or the return to training does not progress as planned. In these situations, I take the time to assess the problem thoroughly and identify the factors we can genuinely influence.
My goal is that, when you leave your appointment, you understand what is causing the problem, what we are going to do about it and how you can return to the activities that matter to you.
Areas of expertise
Lower-limb and pelvic pain • Overuse injuries • Persistent and recurring problems • Return to sport • Movement and load analysis • Core and breathing function • Custom-made foot orthotics • Rehabilitation following injuries and surgery
Client testimonials
“I felt listened to, and my problem was given proper attention. There was also plenty of time to answer my questions.”
“Mikko Virtala is highly knowledgeable and is also excellent at working with children. I warmly recommend him!”
“The problem was thoroughly assessed and addressed. I received practical help during the appointment as well as clear rehabilitation instructions.”
“Thank you, Mikko, for your expert help with my hamstring tightness!”
