Back 2 Your Best Rehab Podcast

After tearing her ACL for the second time, Nat knew exactly how challenging the road ahead would be.As a competitive squash player, personal trainer and mum of three, the injury affected far more than her ability to play sport. It challenged her independence, confidence and patience.In this episode of the Back 2 Your Best Rehab Podcast, Nat shares the honest story of her ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation—from learning to lift her leg again to running, squatting more than her body weight and returning to the squash court.We discuss:The physical and mental challenges of ACL rehabilitationWhy her second recovery was so different from her firstThe importance of a clear, structured rehabilitation programStaying motivated through the difficult weeksRecognising and celebrating small winsBuilding confidence before returning to running and sportThe value of coaching, testing and having the right support around youNat’s biggest lesson is simple: invest in yourself and do the rehabilitation properly.If you’re recovering from an ACL injury, surgery or another long-term injury, our Back 2 Your Best program provides an individualised strength and rehabilitation program, expert coaching, progress testing and ongoing support to help you return stronger and more confident.Learn more or book a discovery call:https://www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au/bookingFollow Scope Sports Injury & Exercise Clinic:Instagram: @scope_sports_injury_clinicWebsite: www.scopechiropractic.com.au#ACLRehab #ACLRecovery #ACLReconstruction #SportsRehabilitation #ReturnToSport #Back2YourBest #SquashAustralia

What happens when life completely changes in an instant?After suffering two major ankle injuries—including a devastating trimalleolar fracture that left her in a wheelchair for five months—Nicole faced one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of her life.In this episode of the Back 2 Your Best Podcast, Nicole shares her remarkable journey from feeling completely broken to walking independently again. We talk about the fear of starting rehabilitation, the emotional challenges of long-term recovery, learning to trust her body again, and why celebrating the small wins ultimately led to life-changing progress.Nicole also opens up about:Recovering after two serious ankle injuries.Why rehabilitation is as much psychological as it is physical.Learning to embrace the "1% better" mindset.The importance of community, support and consistency.How strength training helped her regain confidence—not just mobility.The unforgettable moment she was able to pick up and carry her grandson again.This conversation is a reminder that recovery isn't linear. There will be setbacks, frustrations and difficult days. But with the right guidance, the right environment and consistent effort, your body is capable of far more than you might believe.If you're living with ongoing pain, recovering from surgery, or feel like your body is holding you back from the things that matter most, our Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program was built for you.Every member receives an individualised rehabilitation and strength program, regular Sports Chiropractic treatment, monthly progress testing, experienced rehab coaching, and the support of a welcoming community all working towards the same goal—getting back to living life.If you'd like to learn more, visit back2yourbestrehab.com.au, book a free discovery call, or send us a message on Instagram. We'd love to help you take the first step towards getting Back 2 Your Best.Ready to start your own recovery?

For nearly eight years, Dash lived with chronic Achilles pain.After a workplace injury, years of WorkCover, multiple specialists, surgery, complications, and countless treatments, he was told he may never run again. Walking was painful, exercise became impossible, and the injury slowly began affecting every part of his life.But everything changed when he decided enough was enough.In this episode, Dash shares his honest recovery journey—what it was like living with persistent pain, why previous rehabilitation hadn't worked, how becoming a father gave him a new purpose, and how rebuilding strength, confidence and trust in his body helped him return to activities he never thought would be possible again.We also discuss:Why chronic injuries rarely improve by simply resting.The importance of progressive strength training in tendon rehabilitation.Learning the difference between "good" pain and pain that signals a problem.How confidence is rebuilt one successful movement at a time.Why having the right support, coaching and community can make all the difference.Whether you're dealing with Achilles pain, another long-term injury, recovering from surgery, or simply feeling stuck in your rehabilitation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the body can continue to adapt and improve—even after years of pain.At Scope Sports Injury & Exercise Clinic, we believe rehabilitation is about far more than reducing pain. It's about rebuilding the body you rely on so you can get back to doing the things that matter most.If you've been putting up with an injury that's holding you back, we hope Dash's story gives you the confidence to take the first step.For more info on our Back 2 Your Best Rehab program visit www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au or scopechiropractic.com.au

For nearly two years, Jessie battled recurring back pain and sciatica.What started as occasional flare-ups eventually became constant nerve pain caused by an L5/S1 disc herniation. Sitting, driving, social events and even everyday activities became difficult.After trying multiple treatment options, Jessie ultimately underwent surgery to relieve pressure on her sciatic nerve. While the surgery provided immediate relief, the real challenge was rebuilding strength, confidence and trust in her body.In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab Podcast, Jessie shares her journey from persistent pain to lifting over 100kg again, returning to the gym and getting her life back.We discuss:• Living with persistent sciatica and disc pain• The decision to have surgery• Recovery after a discectomy• Why rehab matters after surgery• Overcoming fear of movement and deadlifts• The role of consistency in recovery• Building confidence through strength training• Returning to exercise after a disc injuryWhether you're dealing with back pain, recovering from surgery, or feeling unsure about what your body is capable of, Jessie's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Jessie's story.For more information about our Back to Your Best Rehab Program, visit:[www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au](http://www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au)

Exercise during cancer treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it shouldn’t be. Exercise physiologist and PhD candidate Brent Cunningham explains how auto-regulation helps patients adjust training on the fly, why both aerobic and resistance work matter, and how to dose sessions to support recovery instead of draining it. We cover safety considerations by treatment type, what to expect in a session, and practical ways to find programs and support in Australia.Key Points:The “three buckets”: prevention, during treatment, survivorshipWhy intensity helps—and how to make it safe with RPE-based auto-regulationPicking the right levers: load, sets, reps, rest, and especially volume on high-fatigue daysAerobic vs resistance: cardiotoxicity considerations, muscle preservation, power, and functionPeripheral neuropathy, bone metastases, radiation skin changes—what to modify and howTraining timing around infusions; early research on the tumour microenvironmentSupervised vs unsupervised: outcomes, behaviour change, and building self-efficacyHow long it takes to move the needle on cancer-related fatigue (think 12–16 weeks)Finding services: Cancer Council, cancer-specific organisations, ESSA, ACSMAustralian access: GP Chronic Disease Management Plan for subsidised sessionsBrent’s project: building practical tools to adjust training day-to-day during chemoGuest links:LinkedIn: Brent CunninghamResearch: ResearchGate – Brent CunninghamCoaching & education: tmrwlabtrainingScope & Show Notes:Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program (Ipswich) Resources mentioned: ESSA Position Statement; ACSM infographics; UBC Bone Metastases Exercise Hub; Cancer Council; Myeloma Australia

Chronic Pain: 5 Practical Tips to Support Your Recovery | Back to Your Best Rehab PodcastIn this solo episode, Dan shares 5 essential tips to help anyone navigating chronic pain and the challenges of longer-term rehab. These are the strategies he uses most often in clinic with patients dealing with persistent pain—and they can make a huge difference in your recovery journey.Whether you’re struggling with chronic pain yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you simple, actionable advice to help make sense of the process, build consistency, and recognise real progress.🔄 Recovery isn’t linear—but it is possible.🧠 Learn how to set goals, manage setbacks, and reframe your pain experience with clarity and confidence.📌 Chapters:0:00 – Intro0:42 – Why These 5 Tips Matter1:26 – Tip 1: Begin with the End in Mind2:45 – Tip 2: The Highs and Lows of Recovery4:47 – Tip 3: Understanding Pain (Pain ≠ Damage)7:10 – Tip 4: The Power of Compounding and Consistency11:54 – Tip 5: Look for the 1% Wins14:50 – Final Thoughts & Referrals💬 If this episode helped you, please share it with someone who needs it.This podcast relies on word of mouth to reach more people who are working through pain and recovery. Every share helps us support others on their journey.📍 For more info or to work with us: www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au📲 Follow us on Instagram:  @scopesportsinjuryclinic  #ChronicPain #RehabTips #PainRecovery #BackToYourBest #PainScience #ChronicPainSupport #RehabPodcast

In this episode of Back to Your Best, Dan chats with Oliver Crossley—physio, yoga teacher, and founder of Yogic Physio—about the power of mindfulness, meditation, and movement in managing chronic pain and invisible illnesses like EDS and POTS.They explore how Oliver’s personal journey through Tibetan monasteries, meditation practice, and working with people at the end of the road in their healthcare journey has shaped his unique approach to rehab. You’ll learn why downregulation is just as important as strength, how breathwork impacts pain, and how we can better support people with complex, misunderstood conditions.Whether you're a clinician, coach, or someone managing chronic pain, this conversation is full of insights that blend science, humanity, and a whole lot of hope.🔗 Learn more about our Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program here: www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au📍 Based in Ipswich and helping people get back to doing what they love.

For more info on the Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program please visit www.back2yourbestrehab.com.auIn this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab podcast, Dan Rothenberg interviews Zane Bormann, who shares his extensive journey through pain and rehabilitation. Zane discusses his experiences with multiple injuries, the transformative power of strength training, and the emotional aspects of training while managing pain. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, support from coaches, and the psychological factors that drive individuals to overcome their limitations. Zane also highlights success stories from his coaching experience, showcasing the resilience of those who have faced significant challenges in their fitness journeys. In this conversation, Zane Bormann and Dan Rothenberg discuss the transformative effects of strength training, particularly in the context of injury recovery and long-term health. They emphasize the importance of understanding client goals and mindset, managing injuries and flare-ups, and the balance between technique and load in preventing injuries. The discussion also covers the impact of cumulative stress on injury risk and offers strategies for sustainable long-term training. Finally, they provide advice for individuals on their rehab journey, highlighting the importance of working with knowledgeable professionals and adjusting training loads as needed.takeawaysZane Bormann shares his journey through multiple injuries and surgeries.Strength training played a crucial role in Zane's rehabilitation.Emotional support is vital for clients dealing with pain.Coaching involves helping clients find joy in training despite injuries.Mindset shifts are essential for recovery and performance.Zane emphasizes the importance of a supportive team in rehabilitation.Success in powerlifting and bodybuilding can be achieved despite injuries.Understanding the mourning process of losing physical abilities is important.Clients often need to be reminded of their progress and potential.The psychology of pain and recovery is complex and varies for each individual. Strength training can lead to significant health improvements.Client mindset and belief in recovery are crucial.Identifying and improving weaknesses is key to progress.Managing flare-ups involves understanding their causes.Technique is vital when lifting at maximal loads.Cumulative stress can increase injury risk.Fat loss should not be a constant goal; it has its time.Taking weight off the bar can be necessary for recovery.Effective rehab requires specific, targeted approaches.A good coach is essential for injury prevention and management.Overcoming Pain: Zane Bormann's JourneyStrength Training as RehabilitationThe Emotional Side of Pain ManagementMindset Matters: Support in Recovery"I thought this guy was nuts.""I felt very confident.""I can't fix these people.""I never wanted to stop doing it.""It's about the big picture.""You don't want to lose that.""It's such a powerful thing.""Don't just ditch everything.""Fat loss is not a life sentence."titlesSound BitesChapters00:00Introduction to Zane Bormann's Journey03:05The Power of Strength Training in Rehabilitation06:14Emotional Aspects of Training and Pain Management08:51Mindset and Support in Overcoming Injuries11:58Success Stories in Powerlifting and Bodybuilding14:49The Psychology of Pain and Recovery22:17Transformative Power of Strength Training24:01Understanding Client Mindset and Goals27:33Managing Flare-Ups and Injuries29:57The Role of Technique vs. Load in Injury Prevention34:17Cumulative Stress and Injury Risk40:46Sustainable Long-Term Training Strategies42:22Advice for Those on a Rehab Journey

In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab Podcast, sports chiropractor Luke Nelson discusses the common injuries associated with running, particularly focusing on Achilles tendinopathy. He shares insights on the prevalence of running injuries, the importance of understanding injury patterns, and the multifactorial nature of these injuries. Luke emphasizes the significance of a structured recovery plan and the psychological aspects of running, especially for those who identify strongly with the sport. He provides practical advice on injury prevention and management, highlighting the role of strength training and community support in a runner's journey. In this conversation, Luke discusses the complexities of injury recovery timelines, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual criteria rather than fixed timeframes. He highlights the significance of running technique, the necessity of listening to one's body, and the common myths surrounding running and injuries. Luke also stresses the role of strength training in enhancing performance and injury prevention, while addressing the mindset needed for recovery from conditions like tendinopathy.For more info head to www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au

In this episode of the Back to Your Best Rehab podcast, Adam Henry shares his inspiring journey of recovery from chronic lower back pain, stemming from a long military career and various injuries. He discusses the challenges he faced, including mental health struggles, the importance of support systems, and the role of stress in pain management. Adam emphasizes the significance of rehabilitation, mindset, and staying active within a community, ultimately highlighting that recovery is a multifaceted process that requires both physical and mentalFor more information on the back 2 your best rehab program head to www.back2yourbestrehab.com.au