A Neuro Physio Podcast
A Neuro Physio Podcast is hosted by Erin and Matt, who talk openly with experienced professionals in neurological physiotherapy. Each episode explores a guest's personal story and career pathway. Guests share clinical pearls and insights relevant to modern neuro physio practice. The show is aimed at physiotherapists and others interested in neurological rehabilitation.
Episodes
Haseel Bhatt - Parkinson's and Functional Movement Disorders
Haseel Bhatt is a neurological physiotherapist, researcher and adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and completed graduate studies at the Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation centre in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada before studying physiotherapy. His primary research focus has been in Functional Movement Disorders and freezing of gait in
Professor Janice Eng - Stroke rehab, Large translational trials,
Professor Janice Eng, OC, is a University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair, University of British Colombia Department of Physical Therapy. Janice is currently the co-director of the Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health. Her work includes the GRASP upper limb program, the FAME fitness and mobility program, robotic exoskeleton research and her most recent Walk n’ Watch multi-
Dr Vivienne Travlos - Neuro-respiratory, MND, NMD
Dr Vivienne Travlos is a Respiratory Physiotherapist at the MND Association of Western Australia and Principal Physio at Breathe Physio. She has a PhD, MSc of (Management of hildhood Disability) a GradCert in university teaching. This episode is all you want to know about neuro respiratory. We chat neuromuscular disorders, respiratory pathophysiology and disease, night respiration, airway clearanc
A/Prof Simone Dorsch - Strength training after stroke, Dosage & Intensity, Personalising practise
A/Prof Simone Dorsch is a lecturer in neurological physiotherapy at Australian Catholic University in Sydney and a Director at the StrokEd collaboration. Simone holds a Masters of Health Science (Neurological Physiotherapy) and a PhD in increasing strength after stroke from University of Sydney. We spend time talking about strength training after stroke, dose and intensity of practice, courses off
James McQuillan - Australian Steelers, person with SCI
We are chatting with James McQuillan one of the Australian Steelers – the Aussie wheelchair rugby team. Not just that but an Australian Steeler who has had an incredible journey from recreational sportsman to national representative in just over 11 months. In this episode James shares his story, the injury that led him to having a SCI, how he came to be part of the Steelers, and all about Wheelcha
Dr Jessica Nolan - Lateropulsion
Dr Jess Nolan recently completed her PhD on Lateropulsion. Jess is a physio from Perth, Australia. Her credentials include BSc (Physio) - Curtin Uni, Grad Dip (Neuro Rehab) – UWA, member of ANZSO Emerging Stroke Clinician Scientist Committee, and Physio Working Party for the Stroke Foundation Living Guidelines. Jess worked as a senior physio, a physio coordinator of stroke services and is now at C
Dr Emily Ramage - Codesign, World Stroke Emerging Leader, ENAbLE trial
This episode is all about codesign. Dr Emily Ramage is a neuro physio & expert in an approach to codesign called Integrated Knowledge Translation. She’s used the methodology through her PhD (codesign of a PA intervention aimed at reducing secondary stroke risk) & in other projects which she speaks about in the episode. Emily's PhD work was piloted as part of the ENAbLE pilot trial inv
Dr Julie Vaughan-Graham
Dr Julie Vaughan-Graham is an IBITA Basic and Advanced Tutor, holds a Masters degree in neuro rehabilitation and a PhD investigating the clinical reasoning process of expert Bobath physiotherapists. She owns her own clinical practice in Toronto, and developed the online iNeuroRehab training courses. Julie also holds a post-doctoral fellowship and adjunct lecturer position with the Department of Ph
Dr Sarah Milne - Friedreich's Ataxia & the cerebellum
This month we are chatting with Dr. Sarah Milne from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute who is also the Coordinator of the Friedreich's Ataxia Clinic at Monash Health in Melbourne, Australia. Sarah is an expert in hereditary cerebellar ataxias and after completing her PhD in 2018 she is trying to bolster the evidence base about the right rehab for people with Friedreich’s Ataxia. This epis
Dr. Kate Scrivener - Therapy dose, Stroke Mobility Outcomes, Teaching Neuro
Dr. Kate Scrivener is a Senior Lecturer of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia where she’s an educator and researcher. She’s also an educator with the Stroke Ed collaboration and that energy for education & innovation has seen her develop the REPS app and website - a set of exercise programs designed to help stroke survivors exercise at home, and the TRAIN program - a clin
Professor Barby Singer - Hypertonicity, Education, APA Career Pathway Framework
Barby Singer is a Professor in the School of Medical & Health Science at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia. She is an APA Neurological Physiotherapist, a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists by Original Contribution in 2011 and has more than 40 years of clinical and academic experience in neurological rehabilitation. Barby has been a key leader in Australia for
Dr Kim Jennings - Implementation of The Bobath Concept
Dr Kim Jennings is an Advanced Bobath tutor with over 35 years of clinical expertise. Kim became a Bobath Tutor in 2000 and an Advanced Tutor in 2012. She holds a clinical doctorate in physiotherapy at La Trobe University investigating barriers and facilitators to implementation of the Bobath concept and a Master of Public Health from Monash University. We get the lowdown about what sparked her in
Dr Simon Mills - Postural Alignment in ABI
Dr. Simon Mills is the principal clinician in the South Australian Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service. He recently completed his PhD (University of Adelaide) in postural alignment and recovery of mobility after acquired brain injury, focusing on brain injury survivors with severe mobility impairment. Simon has 20 years clinical experience and his research interests include methods for clinical as
Professor Susan Hillier - Afferent Feedback, Body Schema, Systematic Reviews
Professor Susan Hillier is a Professor of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation and Dean of Research in Allied Health and Human Performance at the University of South Australia. Her teaching and research interests are broadly in neuroscience and rehabilitation. She has particular interest in the role of afferent stimulation and training using multi-modal feedback. Susan is also trained in Feldenkrais an
Professor Nora Shields - PA in Young People with Disability
Professor Nora Shields is a prolific researcher in the youth disability space. Dr Shields is a professor of physiotherapy at La Trobe university in Melbourne, Australia. She hails from Ireland completing her Physiotherapy degree and PhD at Trinity College in Dublin, and also holds a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education. Dr Shields developed a program called FitSkills, an innovative program whi
Professor Leeanne Carey - Sensation
This episode is all about understanding the impact of sensory deficit on function after stroke on function, and what to do about it. Dr.Leeanne Carey is the Head of the Neurorehabilitation and Recovery Research Group co-located at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and La Trobe University. She's also a professor in Occupational therapy at La Trobe university and the develo
Dr Kelly Bower - Technology in rehabilitation
In this episode, we explore using technology in your clinical practice in a really practical and realistic way with Dr. Kelly Bower who completed her PhD in technology use in rehabilitation. Join us as we discuss Wii, Kinect, newer rehab-specific devices, the evidence base, barriers & facilitators in the clinic and what patients get out of tech - be ready for some surprises here! Kelly also sh
Dr Heidi Janssen - Environmental Enrichment
Heidi is the queen of the concept of environmental enrichment to maximise recovery potential post stroke and other neurological conditions. She shares all about her work in this episode, including her latest venture partnering with end users to develop a community model for environmental enrichment (ESTEEM). We also chat about the Yarning Up After Stroke program she co-leads, designed to help Abor
Professor Sheila Lennon - World Physiotherapy, Bobath research, Multiple Sclerosis
Emeritus Professor Sheila Lennon is semi-retired but still manages to keep driving powerful change for neuro patients. She's from Flinders university in Adelaide South Australia, has worked all over the world, and stays involved on the Physiotherapy Board of Australia and the Chartered society of Physiotherapy in the UK. She's a clinician and educator, continues clinical work for the MS
Paul Fink - Father, Motivational Speaker, Podcast host, Stroke Survivor
Paul Fink survived a large left fronto-temporo-parietal brain haemorrhage secondary to an AVM aneurysm at the age of 34. His attitude to life is one we should all learn from and it continues to help him achieve his goals 8 years on. Paul's new podcast My Stroke of Luck aims to share this wisdom. What he's doing for the stroke community and what he teaches us about providing rehab is impr
Professor Steven Wolf - UL rehab, Asking Why, Future of Neuro rehab
Our discussion with Dr Steve Wolf from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. A true legend of the field he shares with us snippets of his illustrious career, his newest research including vagus nerve stimulation to induce cortical neurplasticity, and his predictions for the future of neuro rehab.3.53 Introduction5.35 Career Pathway8.15 History of physio in the US10.40 Suspended from PT school14.16
Professor Prue Morgan - Adults with Cerebral Palsy, Clinical teaching tips
Professor Prue Morgan is head of department at Monash University, Melbourne - Australia. She is a self professed yes person and expert in adults with cerebral palsy. We discuss her career journey, her passion for cerebral palsy and teaching philosophy.4:45 - Career path8:00 - Why cerebral palsy10:40 - Drop of in care for adults with CP11:50 - Filling the gaps in CP care13:00 - Keeping the passion1
Dr Annie McCluskey - Stroke rehab UL, sexuality
Dr Annie McCluskey is a powerhouse of the stroke rehabilitation world in Australia. She established the StrokeEd collaboration with her partner Karl Schurr (physiotherapist) as well as making significant research contributions in the areas of sexuality, intimacy and upper limb rehabilitation. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it.4:50 - Current role6.23 - COVID story7:25 -
Ann Rahmann - Older Adults, Vestibular, Aquatic Rehab
Ann is the ultimate clinical expert with decades of clinical experience and a desire to keep bettering herself time and time again. Her latest venture is in the APA Gerontology fellowship specialisation training program. She already has her PhD, a Grad Cert in Physio and is an APA Titled Gerontological Physio. She has held multiple academic university and clinical lead roles, and is on the faculty
Dharsha Petrie - Functional Neurological Disorder
Dharsha is one of the most experienced FND physios in Australia and her passion for this clinical group is exceptional. There are so many pearls in this episode about education, diagnosis, sustainable carry-over of treatment, prognostic and perpetuating factors, triggers, symptom management plans and more. We also answer listener questions you submitted.3:40 – Career pathway 8:30 – Career pivot po
Dr. Marlena Klaic - Implementation Science
This month we're doing what it says on the packet - implementation science! Marlena is an expert in this field having completed her PhD in the field in 2018. An OT by background, she is the Allied Health Research Translation Lead at Royal Melbourne Hospital. Now a post-doctoral researcher, she also has post-graduate quals in clinical rehabilitation (neurological rehabilitation) and is complet
Angela Mucic - Brand Physio, Disability & becoming a Business Consultant
Angela Mucic is the Learning and Development Manager at Neuro Rehab Allied Health Network, she's a business consultant with an MBA and a passion for helping Allied Health business find the place where they can succeed.3.23 Intro 4.22 – Career pathway 9.09 – Switching career trajectory 11.50 – Communicating with consumers 13.42 – Building varied professional & life experience 14.53 – Curre
Helena Esmonde - Vestibular Assessment
A great episode summarising thorough vestibular assessment as well as practical intervention advice, especially regarding vestibular migraine. Helena runs the Vestibular First website - check it out for vestibular PD and new evidence, as well as infrared goggles and other vestibular equipment.4.05 Physio training in the US 5.00 State specific qualifications 7.25 Career pathway 13.10 Education in v
Professor Coralie English - Stroke, Collaboration and Co-design
We sit down with Professor Coralie English to discuss her research, her role as a 'serial collaborator' and all the other normal bits that you have come to expect from A Neuro Physio Podcast.4.00 Meaning in career 5.30 Career pathway 9.21 Mentors 12.07 Career post PhD 15.04 Breaking Up Sitting Time (BUST) 21.08 Stroke survivors and behaviour change 23.40 i-Rebound 26.58 Jargon busting an
Natalie Fini - Physical Activity after Stroke, Academic & Neuro leadership
Nat Fini is our first returning guest having previously given us an update of supports from the Australian Physio Association (APA) at the start of the pandemic. We chat about Nat's transition from clinical neuro lead into academia alongside completing her PhD in physical activity (PA) and exercise after stroke. She shares her inspirations, how she over-achieves at networking (spoiler, she&ap
Fran Brander - Upper Limb @ Queen Square
Fran Brander is a Consultant Physiotherapist at the renowned National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She is the lead physiotherapist in the Upper Limb Program and chats about research into clinical practice, being ambitious in our treatment of the upper limb post brain injury and philosophy of upper limb treatment.3.23 - Introduction4.33 - Career pathway6.42 - Consult Physiotherapists (U
Melissa McConaghy - PD Warrior
PD Warrior creator Melissa tells us lots about Parkinson's Disease, how she developed her renowned private practice Advanced Rehab Centre and the PD Warrior program, about becoming a physio entrepreneur, and why she doesn't feel pressure to conduct research.2.22 – Intro3.37 – Career pathway4.20 – Developing PD Warrior6.10 – PD Warrior framework (4 Pillars)11.22 – Home practice15.20 – PD
Ettie Ben-Shabat - Brain Imaging
Ettie teaches is a senior clinician neurological physiotherapist and educator teaching brain imaging courses. She shares how she developed her passion for using brain scans in clinical practice and her wealth of knowledge about imaging and neuroanatomy. Her case studies paint a brilliant picture of why we should all be using brain imaging in to guide our clinical reasoning. Find Ettie at Reneu@Reh
Sonia Denisenko - Masters of Public Health, Principal Policy Officer, Health System Design
We talk about her varied career journey - Sonia has had about 5 careers as clinician, researcher, project manager, educator and in public health. She explains in detail her career trajectory, taking advantage of tangents, how a Masters of Public Health and volunteering with the Australian Physiotherapy Association supported her path. Sonia also touches on what skills physios do and don't brin
Professor Suzanne Kuys - Clinical Masters & Research Higher Degree tips, Stroke Rehab
2.34 – Intro2.53 – Career pathway5.40 – Queensland Health Advanced Clinician9.40 – Starting PhD – Increasing active therapy using a treadmill14.25 – Demonstrating to physios that treadmills are beneficial for gait training18.55 – Current research – the IMPACT trials. 21.55 – The PhD journey24.02 – Where to start when you’re thinking about doing research – get talking to people26.31 – Ideas for con
Michelle Shannon - Architecture in Healthcare
Have you given much thought to how the environment influences the recovery from acquired brain injuries? Michelle Shannon has! Michelle chats to us about her story and where she finds herself now, thinking in depth about the hospital environment - sights, sounds and all the other things we clinicians don't always think about.1:33 - Intro2:54 - Pathway to PhD7:10 - Building up experience in re
Brendon Haslam - Pain in Neurology
If you're interested in pain in neurological pathologies then this episode will fill up your CPD bucket. Brendon Haslam is soon to complete his PhD in chronic UL pain post stroke, is part of the faculty of educators at the renowned NOI group, and works clinically in private neuro practice. Topics in this podcast cover recognition of pain in the neuro population, pain beliefs of stroke survivo
Professor Lisa Harvey - Questioning our practice, Spinal Cord Injury, Motor retraining
This episode is full of interesting topics - compensation vs recovery, commercialising return to walking, whether we're losing problem solving skills in neuro physio. Add to this how to better teach motor skills and approaches to spinal cord injury rehabilitation across the lifespan and you've got a jam-packed episode!1.58 - Intro2.25 - Career pathway6.44 - Passion for research7.24 - Fir
Caitlin Reid - TBI, patient empowerment, salience
Caitlin Reid is a young physiotherapist who has also experienced a traumatic brain injury. She shares her story to inspire neuro therapists to give the power back to the patient. In this episode we chat about what it's like to be a young person in a neuro rehab setting, how to adapt programs to different personalities, and about learning to become a better coach and motivator. Caitlin also sh
Janet Stevens - The Bobath Concept
We chat with founding member of the Australian Bobath Training Association Janet Stevens about her career and inspirations for working hard everyday to be a better physiotherapist. We touch on what the Bobath concept is, hear her take on some of the key components of the concept and how she is implementing the concept in world of telehealth. 1.55 Introduction 2.56 Career pathway 10.30 Bobath i
Associate Professor Cathy Said - Falls in neuro conditions & older adults
1.46 – Intro2.20 – Cathy’s current role3.35 – Career pathway and developing interest in research5.35 – Part time vs FT PhDPhD9.26 – Transition to community walking post stroke12.04 – Refining PhD question with supervisors14.06 – Walking is not enough – impairments from the PhDImproving falls risk & PA in Neuro & Aged populations18.45 – Tech innovations21.40 – Biofeedback for foot clearan
Associate Professor Gavin Williams - TBI, Power training, High level mobility
Erin and Matt sit down and chat with A/Prof Gavin Williams to hear his thoughts on Traumatic Brain Injury management, returning to higher levels of mobility, strength training, spasticity and trail blazing the clinical academic role with Epworth Healthcare, Melbourne, Australia.1:50 - Introduction2:10 - Career Pathway3:00 - Inspiration behind the HiMAT4:25 - Why TBI and why running? 7:15 - What to
Safe Exercise At Home (Physical activity during COVID and beyond)
Associate Professor Cathy Said and an alliance of high profile gerontology researchers and clinicians have published a website supporting older adults to remain physically active during COVID-19.www.safeexerciseathome.org.au. Cathy tells us about the website, how it is useful for older adults and for physiotherapists, and about the group of national and international experts who developed it. Look
Katrina Williams - Cerebellum & Vestibular
Katrina is a clinician researcher and educator at the University of Queensland and Specialist Neurological Physiotherapist (awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists). Find out how she came to be so interested in neurodegenerative diseases and why expertise in vestibular and ataxia is so valuable in this area. We also talk about her research investigating the sensory, motor and vestibu
COVID-19 Australian Physiotherapy Association Update - Natalie Fini
Associate Professor Cathy Said and an alliance of high profile gerontology researchers and clinicians have published a website supporting older adults to remain physically active during COVID-19.www.safeexerciseathome.org.au. Cathy tells us about the website, how it is useful for older adults and for physiotherapists, and about the group of national and international experts who developed it. Look
Katie Davies - Concussion, Indications for casting
Our discussion with clinician and principal physiotherapist at Neurological Rehabilitation Group in Melbourne, Katie Davies.Katie tells us about her career pathway and how clinical supervision has been important to her growth as a physiotherapist. She speaks about her research and work in community and sports-related persistent concussion, as well as her unique use of casting in clinical practice.
Dr Karen Borschmann - Post stroke bone health & glycaemic control
We chat with Dr Karen Borschmann about her career pathway that has led her back to Melbourne, Australia. Now working for The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and St Vincent's Health Karen talks about her research into bone health following stroke as well as introducing us to the Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable.Introduction 0:59Career Pathway 1:25Bone health and
A/Prof James McLoughlin - Motor Control, MS, Concussion
Our inaugural episode is with clinical academic Dr James McLoughlin. James tells us about his career progression starting in Adelaide, to time at St George's Hospital and Queen's Square University College, London, and his work back at Flinders University, Adelaide as Associate Professor in the Masters of Clinical Rehabilitation program. James has a diverse approach to clinical practice w
