Welcome to episode 35 of The Confident Physio Podcast - today we're featuring another heartwarming story in which dedicated community physio Eliza shares her real-world wins and lessons from the field.

Co-hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding from The Physio Co (TPC) sit down with Eliza as she takes us behind the scenes of her work with Poppy, a fiercely independent 78-year-old grandma who found herself struggling with back pain, mobility challenges, and the demands of caring for her family.

Through meaningful goal-setting, personal connection, and a clear timeline, Eliza helped Poppy regain her confidence so she could stay active in her family's busy life. Importantly, Poppy got to the point where she could lift her 3-year-old granddaughter Mia into a pram, a terrific achievement!

Together, Eliza and Poppy prove that with the right support and motivation, meaningful health goals are within reach at any age.

Tune in as we explore how understanding what truly matters to clients can spark incredible results and why a purposeful, fun approach to physio makes all the difference.

Whether you're an allied health professional or just looking for a bit of inspiration, this episode is for you!

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• Learn more about community physiotherapy and its impact
• Don't miss out on future episodes - subscribe to The Confident Physio podcast today!

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Confident Physio Podcast, where community physiotherapists share their real-world stories of helping older adults stay mobile, safe, and happy.

In this episode, co-hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding are joined by returning guest Shilpa Parekh, who first appeared on the very first episode back in 2002. This time, Shilpa shares a powerful success story about her work with Katherine (Kath), a proactive and determined client who sought to reclaim her independence after losing confidence during COVID lockdowns.

Together, they dive into Kath's personal journey - from struggling with mobility and pain to regaining enough strength and balance to confidently manage everyday tasks like taking out the bins and supporting her community.

Through hands-on treatment, tailored exercises, and a focus on meaningful, client-driven goals, Shilpa and Kath's partnership is a testament to the impact physios can have when they focus on what truly matters to their clients.

Tune in as we explore practical strategies, celebrate small victories, and highlight the difference that thoughtful community physio can make—not just in physical health, but in helping people reconnect with what brings meaning to their daily lives.

READ KATH'S STORY HERE

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• Learn more about community physiotherapy and its impact
• Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to The Confident Physio podcast today!

Welcome back to the Confident Physio Podcast, your go-to show for community physios, by community physios, brought to you by The Physio Co.

In this special episode, co-hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding welcome back Mia Ansett, one of The Physio Co's dedicated community physios, who first appeared on episode 27.

Today, we dive into the vital topic of client-centered goal setting, focusing on Mia's recent experience working with Mark, an active senior whose life was upended following a calf injury.

You'll hear the heartwarming story of how Mia helped Mark regain his mobility and confidence, with a unique and meaningful goal: being able to walk again with his beloved dog, Buffy.

Through genuine connection, careful planning, and a touch of creativity (think accountability with a side of chocolate bribes!), Mia guides Mark through setbacks and milestones, showing us the true power of setting client-driven goals in rehabilitation.

Get ready for practical tips, touching moments, and a reminder of just how impactful our work as community physios can be.

Stay tuned to hear more about Mia, Mark, and Buffy's inspiring journey on this episode of The Confident Physio!

FURTHER LISTENING: Empowering Seniors: How Mia Ansett swapped private practice for part-time community physio work

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• Learn more about community physiotherapy and its impact
• Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to The Confident Physio podcast today!

Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast! In this episode (#32), The Physio Co's Tristan White and Jess Soding are joined once again by TPC community physio, Leon Dawood, for the second half of their 'deep dive' interview.

This time, the trio explore the unique concept of "in the moment learning", and discuss how community physios can make the most of those windows of downtime between client visits.

Leon shares his personal strategies, from leveraging daily team huddles and grad calls to self-directed research and real-time reflection, all while balancing the day-to-day requirements of working with older adults in the community.

Whether you're a new graduate or an experienced practitioner, this episode is packed with practical tips on embracing lifelong learning, prioritising self-reflection, and making your day-to-day routine more enriching for you, and your clients.

So, get ready to discover how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities!

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM LEON:

• "Something is better than nothing. So even if I am doing a little bit - if it's five minutes of learning - it's better than doing no learning for that day."

• "I definitely recommend prioritising learning… there's still so much that us as physios in this industry can learn, especially given that there's always different research papers getting publicised on a daily basis."

• "I feel like being intentional with this in-the-moment learning, realising that I've got thirty minutes between now and my next client… being intentional with that time is one of the most powerful things we can do."

• "Self-reflection definitely helps quite a lot. And it's something that is taught in uni, and it was something that I kind of shrugged off and thought, oh, it's not really important. But now working in the industry and working in the field, it's definitely something that I do quite a lot."

• "Pinpointing things that I'm weak at or not as good as I think I should be, and then doing a bit of research and a bit of learning to work on those weaknesses - that self-reflection is really valuable in helping me grow as a physio."

Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast, brought to you by The Physio Co - a well-established company that's passionate about helping seniors stay mobile, safe and happy in their own homes.

In this episode, co-hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding sit down with Leon Dawood, a community physio who joined The Physio Co in August 2024. Together, they dive into Leon's journey from growing up in a sporting family and witnessing the impact of allied health firsthand, to finding his calling in helping seniors achieve their goals and regain confidence.

Leon opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his passion for physiotherapy, including his mother's health challenges and his time volunteering in aged care.

The conversation highlights the unique rewards of working with seniors, the importance of empathy and communication, and the unexpected surprises that come with being a community physio.

Whether you're considering a career in physiotherapy or already part of the community, this episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical advice to inspire and inform.

ABOUT LEON:

From a young age, Leon was immersed in the world of sports and allied health, inspired in part by his father, a semi-professional soccer player.

Encouraged to play soccer from the age of six, Leon spent over a decade on the field, developing a passion for both athletic performance and physical well-being.

This early exposure led him to discover his calling in physiotherapy, a profession he aspired to pursue for most of his life.

Leon's background in sports and his familiarity with allied health shaped his journey, guiding him toward a career dedicated to helping others achieve their physical best.

QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM LEON:

• "Communication is key. The way you communicate with one client is completely different to how you communicate with another client."

• "I feel like a lot of people have this stereotype of seniors, where they think they're not strong or not functionally capable… but that's definitely incorrect."

• "Be comfortable in awkward situations. We try to force conversation with our clients sometimes when they don't need to be forced. Sometimes it's okay to just do their exercises and not chitchat."

Welcome back to The Confident Physio Podcast, your go-to source for community physios, by community physios.

Cohosts Tristan White and Jess Soding from The Physio Co (TPC) welcome back Dan Tran, a dedicated member of the TPC team who first made an appearance on the show some two years ago.

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into Dan's invaluable experiences gained over the last two years as a community physio working with seniors.

Dan shares his thoughts on the importance of building genuine connections, not only with his clients but also with their families and other staff in senior communities such as retirement villages.

He reveals the power of small conversations and the critical role a simple smile plays in establishing trust and rapport with clients.

Tristan and Jess explore various strategies with Dan for creating enriching relationships that can lead to better care outcomes and provide positive news in a world often filled with challenges.

Whether it's a casual chat in an elevator or a proactive check-in with a case manager, Dan illustrates how fostering meaningful relationships can brighten not just a client's day but also that of their caregivers.

This episode is an educational gem, brimming with practical advice and inspirational stories and anecdotes to encourage physios to approach their roles with confidence and compassion.

Tune in for actionable insights that could enhance both your professional practice as a community physio!

Unlock the secrets to landing your dream physio job in our latest episode 🎙️

Join hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding from The Physio Co as they share insightful tips on how to stand out in the competitive physiotherapy job market, especially for new graduates or those considering a career pivot.

From understanding what truly makes you passionate about your career to mastering the art of engaging cover letters and acing interviews – we've got you covered.

Key Takeaways:
- Discover how identifying your passions can shape a fulfilling career path.
- Learn practical tips on crafting standout resumes and cover letters.
- Gain confidence with strategies for making memorable impressions in interviews.

Don't miss out on these essential tools to boost your job application success! 🌟

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• Learn more about community physiotherapy and its impact
• Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to The Confident Physio podcast today!

In this episode of The Confident Physio podcast, hosts Tristan White and Jess Soding chat with TPC physiotherapist, Ella Le Hanie.

Key discussion points:

• Unpacking Ella's journey: Ella shares her unique path to becoming a physiotherapist, detailing her passion for healthcare and her love for working with seniors. She recounts her experience at the New South Wales job show that led her to The Physio Co, and recounts overcoming initial anxieties as a new graduate and emphasises the value of asking questions for professional development.

• Challenges in community physiotherapy: Discussion on common hurdles faced by new practitioners, such as isolation, managing demanding schedules, and imposter syndrome.

• A day in Ella's life: Insight into Ella's work routine, including teaching exercise classes, working with private clients, and balancing personal interests like crocheting and attending the famous Bathurst 1000 race.

• Focus on seniors: The conversation highlights the crucial role of physiotherapy in enhancing the quality of life for seniors.

• Client success stories:

  • Neville: Significant physical and mental benefits after transitioning into aged care.
  • Margaret: Achieved a better work-life balance through a tailored exercise plan post-rehabilitation.

• Effective calendar management: Tips for optimising schedules, such as geographically grouping clients to reduce travel time.

• Advice for new graduates: Ella encourages new physiotherapists to consider community roles, emphasising the need for courage and adaptability in the field.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:

"I think the main thing is that it's okay to ask questions and it's okay not to know."

Join us for an inspiring episode as we explore the rewarding world of community physiotherapy with insights from Ella Le Hanie!

Subscribe and connect:

• Learn more about community physiotherapy and its impact
• Don't miss out on future episodes—subscribe to The Confident Physio podcast today!