Physiotherapist in Ireland: An Exclusive Interview

Redefining Physiotherapy: Beyond the Stereotypes

1. In your own words how would you describe physiotherapy? vs the stereotype?

The stereotype of a Physiotherapist is a “fixer” or someone who gives massages and puts body parts “back into alignment”. This stereotype puts the patient in the back seat and focuses on a very passive approach whereby the Physiotherapist is at the forefront of the decision making and the “healing” of the patient. 

The more modern and evidence-based approach to Physiotherapy is that of collaborative working with the patient and shared decision making. It is about listening to the human in front of you, building rapport with them and discussing their concerns, fears, and beliefs around their pain. From this, the Physiotherapist and the patient come together to decide what is the right treatment approach for that individual, based on the individual patient's issue and overarching goal.

Choosing a Career in Physiotherapy

2. Why did you choose physiotherapy as your career?

I chose Physiotherapy as my career choice because I played a lot of sports when I was younger, and I had a keen interest in Biology at school. A large part of Physiotherapy is in the sporting setting, and biology and the human body are the fundamental basis of the profession. Physiotherapy is an active career whereby you’re up on your feet all day interacting and helping a wide variety of people. I enjoy physiotherapy as it is very engaging, every patient brings in new challenges.

Debunking Common Physiotherapy Misconceptions

3. What are some common misconceptions about physiotherapy that you often encounter, and how would you address them?

The two most common misconceptions are that everybody needs a scan, and that anatomical variations in the human body and posture are predictors of pain. With regards to scans, they can be useful if something serious such as a fracture or cancer are suspected. However, for most people they are not required and can do more harm than good by leading to overdiagnosis. There is a massive body of research that shows that a large portion of asymptomatic people have pathologies on MRI scans such as disc degeneration, disc bulges and arthritis. This highlights how pain is a complex and multifactorial experience and how scans can’t predict how much pain a person is in or how much pain they will experience in the future. What they can do is make a person believe that their body is broken and fragile and this can lead to poor outcomes if not addressed correctly.

With regards to anatomical variation and posture being the cause of pain, this is viewing the human body through a biomechanical lens. However, we are not robots or machines, we are complex biological organisms, and our tissues can adapt positively to the loads and stresses placed upon them. There is no perfect body shape or posture when it comes to predicting pain, and the experience of pain is complex and involves the interplay between several different individual factors and systems of the body. Anatomical variation and posture are just a normal part of being a human being and there is no robust body of evidence that any of them can predict or cause pain. For example, Usian Bolt has scoliosis and a 12 mm leg length discrepancy and he’s the fastest 100m sprinter in history. So no, your back pain isn’t caused by your pelvis being “out of alignment” or your “poor posture”, and neither of these things need to be “fixed” to be pain free.

Essential Exercises and Stretches for Healthcare Workers

4. Are there specific exercises or stretches that healthcare workers can incorporate into their daily routines to prevent common musculoskeletal issues associated with their profession?

In general, there are no stretches or exercises that are better than any others. The only bad exercise is not doing any exercise. What’s important are individual factors such as the person's injury history, fears, occupation, goals, and their preferences etc. To fit my own personal bias, I would advise people to do some resistance training 2-3 times per week to keep themselves strong and to take advantage of all the other benefits of resistance training. It is also important to spend a few hours engaging in some other meaningful activity or sport that they enjoy, to keep themselves fit and improve their overall wellbeing.

Self-Care Tips for Healthcare Workers

5. What advice would you give to healthcare workers on self-care and maintaining their physical and mental health in a demanding healthcare environment?

I would advise that they prioritise time for themselves, which can be difficult when life is busy, and things get in the way. Exercise has many benefits for physical and mental health, so it is vital that people find the time to look after their bodies and their minds. Even a short twenty- minute workout can benefit your body and give you a well needed outlet. So, if this means setting your alarm slightly earlier in the morning, or stopping by the gym on your way home from work then that is the time that you owe to yourself to look after your health.

Finding Reliable Physiotherapy and Healthcare Information

6. Can you offer guidance on finding reliable sources of information and resources related to physiotherapy and healthcare well-being for those interested in learning more? / any physio content, pages?

Be cautious when you're consuming content online and don’t believe everything you see or read, even if the person has a large following. Question everything and if you’re able to I would advise you read research yourself to find out the answers you’re looking for.

Healthcare is always evolving because people challenge current practices and beliefs, and new research is carried out as a result. If you’re not sure about reading research that’s ok, I would find some trustworthy and honest people online who can help by doing that for you and share the findings. Some of the pioneers leading the Physiotherapy profession are Greg Lehman, Peter O Sullivan and Adam Meakins, just to name a few. These people are a good place to start if you’re looking to find out more about the Physiotherapy profession. 

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Our interview provides an enlightening perspective on physiotherapy, breaking down myths and offering practical advice for healthcare professionals. Stay tuned for more insights and in-depth discussions on the ever-evolving world of healthcare. Be sure to follow Alan on Instagram for weekly physiotherapy tips and guidance.