Burnout, Balance and the First Five Years of Physiotherapy | Kristen Witt | New Grad Series #14

If you are studying and putting in the work, but feel like things aren’t sticking, or that you’re falling behind, this episode is for you. This episode is a practical overview of learning as a skill, with a focus on how to study more effectively in physiotherapy. It will also be useful for new graduates and clinicians who want to revisit and strengthen their foundations skills in learning.   Use the timestamps below to jump to relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction to the episode 6:01 Learning is a skill 10:26  Adult learning is unstructured 18:30 Flexible learning is harder than structured learning 21:03 Lectures are a guide to your study – the problem with rote learning 27:50 Core learning skills – getting organised 30:55 Five tips for learning 41:30 Summary If you are finding this content helpful, we would appreciate a review and rating for the Physio Foundations podcast. This really helps promote the podcast to others. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5-star rating! Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Chris Lawry and Cindy Phan are physiotherapists based at Bundoora Specialist Health Care and providers of the Bryta Motor Cognitive training program for older adults. In this episode, Chris and Cindy discuss motor cognitive training, including how they developed a special interest in this area and how it can be applied in clinical practice.  We also discussed foundational communication and manual handling skills that will help take you from new grad practitioner to the next level. Thanks to Chris and Cindy for a great conversation.  Use the timestamps below to jump to relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction to the episode 5:30 Developing a special interest in motor cognitive training 10:15 What problems can you address with this type of training? 16:00 Examples of specific motor cognitive training 24:18 Making rehab matter to the person 25:20 Applying foundational knowledge from university 31:35 Be creative in your rehabilitation and have fun 32:20 The most important knowledge and skills for a physiotherapist 40:55 How long did it take to get comfortable working in private practice? 43:40 Where to follow Chris and Cindy to find out more about their work   Read more about Chris and Cindy, and the Bryta program, at their practice website Bundoora Specialist Health Care Cindy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-p-bryta/ Chris’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-lawry-687210115/ Bryta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bryta/ Bryta Instagram: @Brytatraining https://www.instagram.com/brytatraining/ Website: www.bryta.net  If you are finding this content helpful, we would appreciate a review and rating for the Physio Foundations podcast. This really helps promote the podcast to others. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5-star rating! Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

This episode is part of the Physio Foundations New Graduate Series, exploring the challenges and opportunities in the first five years after graduation. Kristen Witt is a physiotherapist and founder of Witt Wellness in Sydney, Australia. Krissy is also a Nutritionist and Clinical Pilates instructor and was part of the Monash University Physiotherapy class of 2022. Burnout in early-career physiotherapy is increasingly discussed among new graduates. In this episode, Krissy and I explore the realities of the first five years of physiotherapy practice, including balancing evidence-based care with real-world clinical practice, managing energy and workload, and finding long-term purpose in the profession. We discuss practical strategies for navigating the early years of practice, protecting your energy, seeking mentorship, and building a sustainable and enjoyable physiotherapy career. Thanks to Krissy for a great conversation. Use the timestamps below to jump to relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction to the episode and Krissy 4:30 What do you love about being a physiotherapist? 6:40 The most important knowledge and skills for a physiotherapist 8:40 I don’t know if I want to be a physiotherapist anymore – balancing expectations and reality 14:30 Strategies for managing your energy and avoiding burnout as a physiotherapist? 22:00 How many professional development courses should you do? 24:30 Benefits of having a mentor 29:40 Why are you doing this job? Bigger picture 33:30 How can you avoid burnout?  Practical tips 40:00 A final message of hope – hold on, good things are around the next corner! Read more about Krissy at her practice website Witt Wellness If you are finding this content helpful, we would appreciate a review and rating for the Physio Foundations podcast. This really helps promote the podcast to others. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5-star rating! Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Associate Professor Tania Pizzari is an internationally recognised physiotherapy clinician, researcher and educator. In this episode, Tania and I discuss shoulder assessment and management, with a particular focus on modifying symptoms during assessment, the role of diagnostic language, and helping people understand the contributing factors to their shoulder pain. Thank you to Tania for a fantastic conversation and for generously sharing her expertise. Use the timestamps below to jump to specific sections of the episode. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction to Tania 3:15 Classifications of shoulder conditions -diagnoses and movement systems 15:00 Providing a pathoanatomical diagnosis – language matters 17:30 Red flags to rule out 24:20 How do you prioritise physical examination tests? 29:10 Interpreting diagnostic tests – what do they really mean? 33:10 Patient education starts during your assessment 35:50 What presentations do you still find challenging? 39:15 Pain and sensitisation in shoulder conditions 42:00 The most important knowledge and skills for a physiotherapist – you can always learn more If you are finding this content helpful, we would appreciate a review and rating for the Physio Foundations podcast. This really helps promote the podcast to others. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5-star rating! Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Jaryd Bourke is a podiatrist and PhD candidate at Monash University Physiotherapy.  In this episode, Jaryd discusses Achilles tendinopathy and his research investigating heel lifts and changes in patient outcomes and biomechanics. Edit: Sorry for saying Wodonga is a city in NSW! At least I know people are listening...  it's on the border... Thanks to Jaryd for a great conversation. Use the timestamps below to jump to relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 About this episode and welcome Jaryd 2:20 What is tendinopathy? 3:30 What is Achilles tendinopathy? 5:30 Heel lifts for Achilles tendinopathy - research 7:18 How could heel lifts help with Achilles tendinopathy symptoms 10:00 Jaryd’s trial on heel lifts for Achilles tendinopathy – key methods 17:00 Clinical implications 23:33 Final thoughts Diagnostic domains, differential diagnosis and conditions requiring further medical attention that are considered important in the assessment for Achilles tendinopathy: a Delphi consensus study, link to paper:  https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/59/13/891.abstract Follow Jaryd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaryd-bourke-86932b200/?originalSubdomain=au If you are finding this content helpful, we would appreciate a review and rating for the Physio Foundations podcast. This really helps promote the podcast to others. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5-star rating. Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Just in time for World Bronchiectasis Day, this is Part 2 of my discussion with Associate Professor Annemarie Lee on exercise for people with bronchiectasis. In this episode, Annemarie explains the benefits of exercise for people with Bronchiectasis and explores different ways people can engage in physical activity—whether as part of a formal rehabilitation program or by integrating it into daily life. A huge thanks to Annemarie for sharing your expertise. Use the timestamps below to jump to sections of interest. 0:00 About this episode 1:52 How does exercise benefit people with Bronchiectasis? 4:15 What does a typical pulmonary rehabilitation class look like? 6:15 Who is suitable for a pulmonary rehabilitation class for Bronchiectasis? 11:26 Exercise for airway clearance and exercise tolerance 14:18 Research gaps 16:50 How can people with Bronchiectasis monitor their exercise and symptoms? 22:55 The patient as a person, developing a therapeutic alliance 24:38 The most important knowledge and skills for a health professional – empathy 28:40 How to connect with Annemarie   Links and Resources: Bronchiectasis Toolbox Strong Lungs Annemarie Lee’s Research Profile (Monash University) If you find this content helpful, please rate and review the Physio Foundations podcast on your favourite podcast app—it helps others find the show. Stay connected: Read more at www.Perraton.Physio or follow the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: Perraton Physio YouTube Channel Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Disclaimer: This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Associate Professor Annemarie Lee is a leading cardiorespiratory physiotherapist, educator and researcher whose work has helped shape how we understand and manage bronchiectasis in physiotherapy practice. This is the first episode of a two-part series on bronchiectasis. In this episode, we discuss subjective and objective assessment of people with bronchiectasis and provide an introduction to airway clearance techniques. A huge thanks to Annemarie for sharing your expertise. Use the timestamps below to jump to sections of interest. In this episode: 0:00 About this episode and welcome Annemarie 4:50 What is bronchiectasis? 8:50 Other impacts of bronchiectasis – loss of physical function, pelvic floor dysfunction, low back pain, reflux, etc. 12:50 Emerging treatments 13:40 Objective assessment of people with bronchiectasis 21:30  Airway clearance techniques 25:00 Bronchiectasis Toolbox website 29:12 Strong Lungs website 31:50 Summary  Links and Resources: Bronchiectasis Toolbox Strong Lungs Annemarie Lee’s Research Profile (Monash University) If you find this content helpful, please rate and review the Physio Foundations podcast on your favourite podcast app—it helps others find the show. Stay connected: Read more at www.Perraton.Physio or follow the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: Perraton Physio YouTube Channel Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Disclaimer: This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

In this episode, Associate Professor Jane Rooney explains the latest evidence for non-operative management of ACL injuries, including the Cross Bracing Protocol and associated research. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.  Jane Rooney is a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2009) and a facilitator and examiner for physiotherapists completing their specialisation through the College. She has extensive experience in sports physiotherapy, working with athletes of all levels, and is widely respected for her contributions to university and clinical teaching, including through the Physio Educators platform. In 2016, Jane was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to investigate how knee injuries are managed around the world. She is now part of the research team investigating the effectiveness of the Cross-Bracing Protocol for non-operative ACL injury management. Thanks to Jane for a fantastic conversation. Use the timestamps below to jump to key sections of the episode: In this episode: 0:00  About this episode and welcome Jane 4:10  Findings from Jane’s Churchill Fellowship: global ACL management and societal costs 7:16  Operative vs non-operative ACL management and patient decision aids 10:15  Case study: decision-making in ACL injury management 15:45  Bracing for native ACL healing: history of the Cross-Bracing Protocol 23:19  Non-operative management is not suitable for everyone 25:30  Bracing at 90 degrees: mechanisms and anatomical rationale 27:40  “ACL first aid”: preserving the option of non-operative management 30:30   Important! Bracing must involve a doctor, surgeon, and patient 33:36   Eligibility criteria, timeframes, and factors influencing ACL healing 37:05   Understanding the anatomy of ACL healing 41:45   Risks and medical considerations for referring patients for bracing 47:30   Future directions: non-operative care and evolving bracing protocols 59:50   Shared decision-making: pros and cons of bracing vs surgical care Jane referenced this study on treatment decision-making for ACL injuries: https://academic.oup.com/ptj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ptj/pzaf030/8075093 Find out more about the Cross Bracing workshop at physioeducators.com.au This podcast is free to access, but you can help us grow by sharing it within your network and leaving a review and 5-star rating. Thanks for supporting the show! Stay connected: • Read more at www.Perraton.Physio or visit the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page • Watch on YouTube: @PerratonPhysio • Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter) This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any health concerns or medical conditions.

On this episode, I welcome back Mick Hughes and Randall Cooper to talk about the role of exercise in health and physiotherapy practice. We also discuss the work they are doing with their education platform, Learn.Physio, and what they have learned over the past five years from interviewing and creating content with world-class clinicians and educators. Thanks to Randall and Mick for a great conversation. Use the timestamps below to jump to the relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 About this episode and welcome back Mick and Randall 1:50 Exercise Matters podcast 8:45 How can graduate physios advance their exercise knowledge and skills? 11:35 What sets physiotherapy apart from coaching, exercise physiology, and other professions? 18:40 When to say “I’m not sure” and refer to other health professionals 20:15 Can we over-medicalise exercise? When is it actually appropriate to medicalise exercise? 27:38 Tips for engaging people in exercise – find out what’s important to them 30:15 The Learn.Physio platform – highlights from behind the scenes 36:30 How do you integrate new knowledge from courses into your practice? 40:30 Managing information overload as a graduate practitioner 42:07 Do students learn differently in 2025 compared to the past? 48:00 Learn online, but learn in person as well – don’t neglect your interpersonal and hands-on skills Links and resources: Check out: www.Learn.Physio Listen to the Exercise Matters podcast with Randall and Mick, and give them a 5-star rating and review on Spotify, Apple, or your favourite podcast player: Spotify Apple Podcasts While you're there, we’d also appreciate a rating and review for the Physio Foundations podcast—it really helps promote the show. Hit the follow button and give us a review and 5 stars! Stay connected: Read more at www.Perraton.Physio or follow the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: Perraton Physio YouTube Channel Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn. Disclaimer: This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.

Nick Kane is the founder of the Sports MAP network, an educational platform for physiotherapists and sports medicine professionals and the former head physiotherapist for the Essendon Australian Rules Football club. Nick founded and consults at the Complete Balance Physiotherapy clinic in Melbourne, Australia. In this episode, Nick discussed his experiences working in elite sport and how you can develop your own career in sports physiotherapy. Thanks Nick for a great conversation. Use the timestamps below to jump to relevant sections. In this episode: 0:00 About this episode and welcome Nick 7:25 Experiences working as the head physiotherapist for the Essendon football club 9:45 Nick’s clinical special interests 11:45 The most important foundational knowledge and skills – clinical reasoning and rehab principles 13:50 Applying anatomy and pathology knowledge as a practitioner 16:58 Sports MAP 20:25 Challenges for graduates – distractions, impatience 22:50 Mentoring and developing strong clinicians 33:40 Developing a special interest area 43:00 Final thoughts We discussed the SportsMAP network: https://sportsmap.com.au/ Stay connected: Read more at Perraton.Physio or the Perraton Physio LinkedIn page. Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PerratonPhysio Follow @PerratonPhysio on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and Linked In. This discussion is intended for health professionals and health professional students. Always seek guidance from a qualified health professional regarding any questions about your health or medical condition.