Ep #30 Preventative Physiotherapy, with Alister Cran

What do you know about physiotherapy? What does the word conjure in your mind? Is it a sporty-fitness thing or a recovery-after-an-injury thing? Or have you never had to consider it at all?

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where we explore topics on finding and attaining happiness in the everyday. In this episode, co-hosts Martin O'Toole and Julia Malcolmson dive into the world of physiotherapy with a focus on preventative care, with guest and physiotherapist Alister Cran.

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing movement disorders. Physiotherapists use various techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and education, to help people restore, maintain, and improve their physical function and mobility. While physiotherapy is often associated with injury treatment, it can also be a powerful tool for injury prevention.

⁠Alister⁠ is a surf-loving preventative physiotherapist who specialises in what our host Martin calls "Earth Rover maintenance". Alister's philosophy is that physiotherapy should be used for injury treatment and injury prevention through exercise and strength training.

Studies have shown that physiotherapy can effectively prevent injuries, especially in sports and other physical activities. For example, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a neuromuscular training program, which included balance, jumping, and agility exercises, reduced the risk of knee injuries by up to 72% in female athletes. Another study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy found that a preventative physiotherapy program can significantly reduce the risk of lower limb injuries in female football players. A structured exercise program led by a physiotherapist was also found to reduce the incidence of running-related injuries, according to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.

So how exactly does physiotherapy prevent injuries? One way is by improving flexibility and range of motion. When muscles are tight and inflexible, they are more prone to strain and injury. A physiotherapist can work with a patient to develop a stretching routine that targets specific muscle groups and improves overall flexibility.

Another way physiotherapy prevents injuries is through strength training. When muscles are weak, they are more likely to give out under stress, leading to injury. 

A physiotherapist can design an exercise program that targets specific muscle groups and builds strength and endurance, reducing the risk of injury.

Physiotherapy can also prevent injuries by improving balance and coordination. A physiotherapist can develop an exercise program focusing on balance and coordination training, helping patients avoid falls and other accidents.

Unlike other manual therapies like osteopathy and chiropractic work, physiotherapy is a more active approach that involves exercises and stretches to improve the range of motion and build strength. Osteopathy is a more passive approach that uses hands-on techniques to manipulate the body's musculoskeletal system to improve function. At the same time, chiropractic work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on spinal alignment and manipulation.

If you're interested in maintaining your "Earth Rover" or avoiding injury, be sure to listen to our conversation with Alister Cran. You can also follow him on Instagram for physio tips and videos.

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