In this moving episode of the ABPT Physi-ed podcast, I spoke with Leanne English, founder of Mobilates, who also has EDS to explore the complexities of living with and treating chronic health conditions through the lens of a patient and community leader.Leanne shares her 12-year journey to a diagnosis of hEDS and POTS, detailing the emotional toll of being dismissed as a "heart-sink" patient and the profound concept of "life lost" during the search for answers. This conversation is a must-watch for both patients seeking empowerment and clinicians looking to deepen their biopsychosocial approach. We dive deep into why "just exercise" can be harmful without the right context, the freedom found in mobility aids, and how clinical curiosity can bridge the gap between evidence-based practice and lived experience.This episode is aimed at clinicians who want to understand how to better support their patients, and anyone suffering with a chronic condition or awaiting a diagnosis who wants to know what works for others with similar conditions.Key Topics in This Episode:The transition from a "heart-sink" patient to an empowered self-advocate.Practical strategies for managing flare-ups, including "self-care toolkits."The philosophy of Mobile Pilates: making exercise truly accessible.Why clinicians must see the "whole person" rather than just a symptom.Timestamps: 00:00 - The most impactful thing a professional can do: See the whole person 01:50 - Leanne’s journey: From childhood symptoms to hEDS & POTS diagnosis 06:37 - Reclaiming your voice: Moving from "heart-sink patient" to advocate 08:40 - Beyond the biomedical: Social prescribing and holistic care 11:08 - Co-designing your health: How to prepare for medical appointments 13:05 - The "just exercise" trap: Navigating energy-limiting illnesses 14:58 - Finding community: The cure for the loneliness of chronic illness 17:53 - Mobility aids as a tool for freedom, not a "step back" 21:28 - Managing flares: Grounding, breathing, and self-care kits 25:20 - Navigating "body grief" and the reality of life lost to illness 28:13 - Advice for clinicians: The power of curiosity over fear 31:13 - The diagnostic double-edged sword: Relief vs. frustration 35:19 - Mobile Pilates: Philosophy and inclusive movement 40:00 - Final thoughts: Three key takeaways for health and quality of lifeResources Mentioned:Mobilates: https://www.mobilates.com/Book: Living Well with a Chronic Illness by Grace QuantockBook: Body Grief by Jane MattingleyConnect with ABPT Physi-ed and to book a consultation: https://www.abptphysio.co.uk/Subscribe for more clinical insights and patient stories: Follow us on Instagram: @alexbloorphysioVisit our website: https://www.abptphysio.co.uk/#ChronicIllness #hEDS #POTS #Physiotherapy #PatientAdvocacy #Biopsychosocial #MobilePilates #ABPTPhysiedIf you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4NwQ-sGRyu7n2TWFT_bd8KtLVfkWwxqM If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.

What exactly is rheumatology, and how do you know when a "typical" MSK issue is actually a systemic inflammatory condition?In this episode, we sit down with Jack March (@Rheumatology.Physio) to demystify rheumatology for physiotherapy students and new graduates. We dive into the "index of suspicion," the importance of comorbidities like psoriasis, and why your clinical reasoning must change when a condition is autoimmune rather than mechanical.In this video, you’ll learn:A simple definition of rheumatology for patients and students.Key screening questions: Morning stiffness, night waking, and NSAID response.The "Masqueraders": How to tell if that Achilles pain is mechanical or inflammatory.Common mistakes: Why being "too gentle" with treatment can sometimes be an error.The patient journey: Managing expectations during rheumatology referrals.Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Why rheumatology is complex for physios 1:24 - Defining Rheumatology: Autoimmune vs. Autoinflammatory 5:35 - Comorbidities: Fibromyalgia, EDS, and Psoriasis 12:15 - Key Screening Tools & Questions 17:25 - Clinical Reasoning: MSK vs. Systemic Issues 21:10 - Loading Tendons in Rheumatological Patients 26:50 - Common Mistakes Physios Make in Management 37:15 - Treatment Precautions & Red Flags 41:50 - Top Tips for Students & New GradsAbout Jack March: Jack is a physiotherapist who specialises in supporting patients with rheumatological conditions as well as providing educational content for healthcare professionals. He provides expert CPD and resources to help clinicians identify and manage rheumatological conditions with confidence.See below for the resources that Jack mentions in the episode:Jacks YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRheumatologyPhysio Jacks Linktree (all courses and content): https://linktr.ee/rheumatology.physio Physio Matters YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@physiomatters Physio Matters Linktree: https://linktr.ee/physiomattersRelated Episodes: If you enjoyed this deep dive into clinical decision-making, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes:The Reality of Elite Sport: Trauma, High Stakes & Clinical Decisions – Explore how high-pressure environments influence clinical reasoning.Understanding IBS: symptoms, causes and clinical realities – A closer look at clinical realities in internal health.Charcot foot: the diabetic red flag all clinicians need to know – Essential knowledge for identifying critical clinical indicators.Don't forget to subscribe to ABPT Physi-ed for more evidence-based physiotherapy education and clinical reasoning support!If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: • Physi-ed Podcast If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.[Insert your social links/website here] [Insert link to Jack’s website/resources]#Physiotherapy #Rheumatology #StudentPhysio #ClinicalReasoning #MSK #PhysioEducation

Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) can be a complex concept to explain to patients and fellow clinicians. In this episode, we use the "Salsa Story" as a powerful metaphor to break down how CFT addresses the multidimensional nature of pain.What You’ll Learn:How to use storytelling to improve patient education and buy-in.The core principles of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) in clinical practice.A fresh perspective on moving beyond traditional biomechanical models for chronic pain.About ABPT Physi-ed We provide high-level education for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals looking to sharpen their clinical reasoning and stay updated with evidence-based practice.#Physiotherapy #CognitiveFunctionalTherapy #CFT #PainManagement #PhysicalTherapy #ClinicalReasoningRelated Episodes: If you enjoyed this deep dive into clinical decision-making, be sure to check out our other podcast episodes:The Reality of Elite Sport: Trauma, High Stakes & Clinical Decisions – Explore how high-pressure environments influence clinical reasoning.Understanding IBS: symptoms, causes and clinical realities – A closer look at clinical realities in internal health.Charcot foot: the diabetic red flag all clinicians need to know – Essential knowledge for identifying critical clinical indicators.Don't forget to subscribe to ABPT Physi-ed for more evidence-based physiotherapy education and clinical reasoning support!If you found this episode helpful, please check out our other other episodes here: • Physi-ed Podcast If you found this video helpful, please like and subscribe as this really helps our channel.Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.