Physiotutors Podcast

Physiotutors

The Physiotutors Podcast offers in-depth conversations with leading clinicians, researchers, and educators who are advancing the field of physiotherapy. Each episode follows a consistent structure—covering clinical reasoning, current evidence, practical application, and professional growth. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and daily practice. We discuss what the evidence really says, how to apply it, and where critical thinking matters most. Listeners can expect clear explanations, balanced discussions, and actionable insights that improve both understanding and patient outcomes. Designed for physiotherapists, students, and educators, the Physiotutors Podcast is your reliable source for grounded, science-based learning that keeps you current and confident in your clinical work.

  1. FEB 4

    (Dutch Episode) When Passion and Reality Collide - Quitting Physiotherapy with Arjan Elshof

    Note: This episode was recoreded in Dutch and can be listened to in English and other languages on the Physiotutors App. The next episode will be in English again! Summary In this episode, we discuss the journey of Ajan Elshof, a former physiotherapist who transitioned to a care-intensive advisor role. We explore the reasons behind his departure from physiotherapy, including changing perspectives on care, the challenges of practice management, and the relationship between physiotherapists and insurers. Ajan shares insights on the future of physiotherapy, the importance of innovation, and the need for collaboration in the healthcare sector.   Chapters 00:00:00 Intro and the big question: why does a passionate physiotherapist leave the profession? 00:03:42 Why physiotherapy was chosen: sports background, injuries, and early motivation 00:05:13 Workload, balance, and no burnout 00:06:40 Sponsor: Premium membership 00:07:17 From patient care to management: views on efficient, hybrid care and the right care in the right place 00:10:24 Overtreatment vs insured sessions: ethics and clinic policy 00:12:06 Ambition, ownership, and scale of impact 00:14:27 The purchasing plan: from the first years to the concrete process 00:16:09 Why the purchasing failed and business lessons learned, market fit, agreements, transition period 00:19:17 Considered paths, education, research, own practice, and the choice for a health insurer to increase impact 00:22:29 Sponsor: WriteUpp practice management software 00:24:20 Low rates, productivity, and admin work: the health insurer's view 00:27:29 Relationship between health insurer and therapist: shared goal and trust 00:30:53 New role at Zilveren Kruis: tasks and the value of a physio background 00:33:23 Clinic vs office: differences in workday, focus, and downtime 00:36:20 How do we keep passionate professionals? Perspective, career paths, and regional primary care cooperation 00:37:43 Sponsor: Physiotutors online courses 00:39:18 Career outlook and conditions for a possible return 00:41:21 Advice to the next generation, including his own children, about physiotherapy 00:42:30 Closing message: working together toward sustainable, accessible, local care 00:44:15 Closing   Thanks to our Podcast Sponsor Writeupp! Level Up Your Learning And Streamline Your Practice. Sign up at the link below and enjoy 3 months free of WriteUpp's practice management software. Sign Up at https://writeupp.com/physiotutors   Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    45 min

  2. JAN 15

    The role of exercise in oncology with Nele Adriaenssens, Nirit Rotem, Grainne Sheill

    Summary This podcast explores the critical role of exercise therapy in oncology, highlighting its importance in cancer treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship. Experts discuss the evolution of exercise in oncology, current practices, and innovative trials that examine the interactions between exercise and chemotherapy. The conversation also addresses the unique challenges faced by patients with head and neck cancer and the significance of tailored exercise programs in improving patient outcomes. This conversation delves into the critical role of exercise in cancer care, highlighting patient barriers, the importance of personalized exercise programs, and the need for better integration of physiotherapy in oncology. The speakers discuss the life-saving benefits of exercise, the challenges faced in clinical practice, and the necessity of addressing patient fears and misconceptions about exercise. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals to ensure consistent messaging and support for cancer patients. Looking ahead, they advocate for more research, education, and advocacy to improve exercise oncology practices globally. Check out our Podcast Sponsor WriteUpp here: https://www.writeupp.com/partners/physiotutors Guests   Prof. Dr. Nele Adriaenssens Prof. Dr. Nele Adriaenssens from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an associate professor and leads the Rehabilitation Research group, focusing on cancer rehabilitation and exercise oncology, with a special interest in side effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy and how exercise can help. She also coordinates cancer rehabilitation and survivorship at the University Hospital in Brussels and has been a key figure in building cancer rehab services and research infrastructure there. Dr. Grainne Sheill Dr. Grainne Sheill, clinical specialist physiotherapist in cancer rehabilitation at St James's Hospital in Dublin. Grainne leads work on exercise for people treated for head and neck cancer, looking at the barriers they face and how group based programs can support recovery, fitness and daily function after treatment. Nirit Rotem She is the head of the physiotherapy department at Tel Aviv Souraski Medical Center. She is a physiotherapist, educator and long standing leader in national and international physiotherapy bodies, with a strong focus on cancer care, exercise prescription and raising standards of practice and policy. Time Stamps 00:00:00 - Intro and guest lineup: Exercise therapy in oncology overview 00:01:36 - Why is exercise part of cancer treatment, not just an extra? 00:04:04 - What "exercise" means in cancer care: cardio, strength, or both? 00:05:32 - How the role of exercise in oncology has changed since 2008–2009 00:08:42 - Sponsor: PhysioTutors Premium Membership (ad) 00:09:35 - Policy and health system view: Where oncology rehab stands and gaps 00:12:40 - How drugs/side effects shape exercise plans (exercise–pharmacology examples) 00:16:56 - PAPTOX and FORX trials: What's new vs classic cancer rehab studies 00:20:45 - Exercise goals in palliative care and oncogeriatrics 00:24:17 - Are palliative/fragile patients motivated to exercise? 00:25:30 - Sponsor: WriteUpp practice management (ad) 00:27:05 - Head & neck cancer: Why this group is different and challenging for activity 00:31:34 - National survey findings: Top barriers and surprises to exercise post–head & neck cancer 00:33:49 - Key exercise-oncology messages still missing in day-to-day practice 00:37:33 - Turning position statements into simple clinical routines 00:41:41 - Global online oncology course: Is it available yet? 00:42:15 - Sponsor: PhysioTutors online courses (ad) 00:43:10 - Screening and triage: Group vs 1:1 vs medical referral 00:46:16 - Addressing fear: How to talk about risk and safety to keep patients engaged 00:49:55 - One belief to change among doctors/nurses about exercise in cancer care 00:53:19 - Ten-year outlook: Priorities for research, education, and implementation 00:56:13 - Final messages: Getting physios on board and entry-level competencies 00:58:54 - Congress announcement and closing remarks Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    1 hr

  3. 2025-12-05

    From Core to Kick: The Pelvis as the Missing Link in Hamstring and Groin Injuries ft. Nick van der Horst

    Summary In this conversation, Dr. Nick van der Horst, a sports physiotherapist, discusses the significant impact of hamstring and groin injuries in football, emphasizing the importance of pelvic control in injury prevention and rehabilitation. He highlights the prevalence of these injuries, the role of eccentric strength training, and the need for comprehensive screening and assessment methods. Dr. van der Horst shares insights on how to modify pelvic posture and control during rehabilitation, providing practical advice for integrating these concepts into injury prevention programs. The discussion also covers the relationship between pelvic mechanics and performance optimization, making it clear that understanding these factors is crucial for effective rehabilitation and injury prevention in sports. Guest Dr. Nick van der Horst is a sports physiotherapist and rehabilitation specialist with deep expertise in football medicine. He's currently part of the medical staff at PSV Eindhoven's first team, where he focuses on on- and off-field rehab, return-to-play strategies, and injury prevention.Nick earned his PhD at UMC Utrecht with a thesis on preventing hamstring injuries in male soccer players. Over the years, he has worked with organizations like the KNVB and Go Ahead Eagles, and he's the founder and CEO of SoccerDoc, a platform dedicated to improving football medicine through research, education, and clinical care.His work centers on maximizing football performance by reducing injury burden and creating evidence-based, player-centered rehab and prevention programs. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro and guest bio 00:01:00 How big are hamstring and groin injury problems (incidence and time loss)? 00:04:04 Clarifying the topic: SI joint issues vs pelvic position/control 00:04:42 Why are pelvic control and positioning key for hamstring and groin pain? 00:12:44 Sponsor: PhysioTutors Premium Membership 00:15:28 Screening and assessment: Go-to markers for pelvic posture/control issues 00:19:27 Do you need motion capture or other equipment to assess pelvic control? 00:22:17 How do you differentiate pelvic-mechanics-related hamstring issues from tissue-specific or neural problems? 00:27:12 Common lumbopelvic patterns in recurrent hamstring and groin injuries 00:25:38 Sponsor: WriteUpp Practice Management 00:37:54 Groin pain: Is pelvic posture/control a cause or a consequence? 00:41:50 How modifiable is pelvic posture and control? 00:44:51 Rehab progression: Early vs late stages when focusing on pelvic control 00:48:54 Do you use basic core/lumbopelvic exercises (bird dog, dead bug, pelvic tilts)? 00:52:13 Have improvements in pelvic control reduced hamstring/groin injuries in practice? 00:54:46 Sponsor: PhysioTutors Online Courses 00:56:13 Case experience: Moments that shifted perspective on pelvic role 01:03:08 Practical advice for integrating pelvic control into prevention/rehab in football 01:05:49 Where to find Dr. Nick van der Horst 01:06:29 Outro   Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify |  Apple Podcasts

    1h 7m

  4. 2025-11-03

    An Introduction to Neurocentric Training with Jannik Schuster

    Summary In this podcast episode, neuroathletic performance and pain coach Jannik Schuster discusses neurocentric training, a method focusing on the brain and nervous system to enhance performance and alleviate pain. Schuster explains how he discovered this approach through personal experience with injuries and highlights its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain. He defines neurocentric training as targeting brain and nervous system interactions to improve performance, distinguishing it from traditional training methods that focus on biomechanical structures. Schuster emphasizes the significance of understanding the nervous system's role in pain and movement limitations, advocating for individualized approaches to address specific nervous system needs. He also discusses the integration of neurocentric training with traditional practices, the impact of visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive inputs, and the potential for neurocentric training to become more prevalent in both athletic and therapeutic settings. The conversation underscores the importance of neuroplasticity and suggests resources for those interested in exploring neurocentric training further. Guest Jannik Schuster — Neuroathletic Performance and Pain Coach, M.Sc. in Sports Science, educator, and former elite footballer. After training in the youth academy of FC Augsburg and the professional squad of FC Schweinfurt, Jannik discovered neurocentric training as a breakthrough method to unlock performance, prevent injury, and resolve pain. Educated through Z-Health and grounded in sports science, he now helps others apply neuro-based strategies for pain-free movement and optimal function Content 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:47 Yannick's Background and Introduction to Neuroathletic Training 00:02:49 Definition and Differentiation of Neurocentric Training 00:04:36 Scientific Foundation of Neurocentric Training 00:08:39 Common Misconceptions in Neurotraining 00:10:23 Role of the Nervous System in Pain and Movement Limitations 00:11:55 Neurocentric Training in Rehab 00:14:42 Assessment and Testing in Neurocentric Training 00:21:46 Role of Visual, Vestibular, and Proprioceptive Inputs 00:25:19 Typical Neuroperformance Training Session 00:28:17 Effects Observed in Performance-Oriented Athletes 00:31:01 Athlete Feedback on Neuro Training 00:35:38 Prevalence of Neurocentric Training in Elite Sports 00:37:29 Integration with Traditional Training and Therapy 00:40:08 Incorporating Neurocentric Elements in Daily Work 00:47:03 Striking Changes Observed Through Neuro Training 00:49:23 Resources for Learning About Neurocentric Training 00:51:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    55 min

  5. 2025-10-01

    Beyond Whiplash: Modern Physiotherapy for Prolonged Post-Concussion Symptoms with Melvin Pitz and Cornel Tol

    Summary In this episode, Melvin Pitz and Cornel Tol from the Headache, Pain, and Concussion Training Institute (HPCTI) delve into the intricacies of managing concussions and post-concussion symptoms. They advocate for using the term "prolonged post-concussion symptoms" over "mild traumatic brain injury" to reduce the nocebo effect associated with the latter. The discussion highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial approach in diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the significance of early intervention and patient education. Melvin and Cornel share insights into diagnostic criteria, the impact of framing on patient outcomes, and the gaps in current practices, particularly in the Netherlands. They stress the need for physiotherapists to be proactive in education and networking to bridge the knowledge gap in concussion management. The episode also touches on the neurophysiological aspects of concussion, the shortcomings of monodisciplinary approaches, and the potential of a treatable traits approach for better patient outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to rethink the role of physiotherapy and consider the broader implications of prolonged symptoms, including psychological and social factors. The episode provides practical advice for physiotherapists and healthcare professionals on how to improve their practice and patient care in the context of concussions. Guests Today's guests are Melvin Pitz and Cornel Tol from the HPC-TI — short for Headache, Pain & Concussion Training Institute. They're on a mission to educate and empower healthcare professionals with cutting-edge, evidence-based strategies to manage headache, pain complaints, and mild traumatic brain injury. With a strong clinical background and a critical view on how care is currently delivered, they're pushing for a multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial approach that actually works — in the clinic, and beyond Content 00:00 Intro 00:41 Definition of PPCS 03:06 Diagnostic Criteria 06:35 Gaps in recognizing PPCS 09:47 Why patients are misdiagnosed 14:24 Sponsor 15:00 Prognostic Factors to develop prolonged symptoms 18:48 Rethinking Physiotherapists' role in treating PPCS 24:40 Neurophysiology of PPCS 28:28 Why monodisciplinary approaches fail 33:12 Diagnosis & Decisionmaking 35:48 Sponsor 37:04 Biggest pitfalls 38:44 Treatment 50:48 Interesting Case Studies 57:38 Return to work/play 01:03:21 Opinion on high-impact sports 01:05:25 Myths to bust 01:06:26 Closing thoughts 01:07:37 Contact info & Outro Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    1h 9m

  6. 2025-09-01

    Foot First: Rethinking Intrinsic Strength & Injury Rehab with Dr. Sue Mayes

    Summary In this episode, we welcome Dr. Sue Mayes, a distinguished physiotherapist and senior lecturer at La Trobe University, who is renowned for her expertise in injury prevention and rehabilitation, particularly in elite dancers and athletes. Dr. Mayes discusses the significance of foot intrinsic muscles, focusing on their role in ballet and sports injuries. She explains common issues like hallux valgus and foot arch control, emphasizing the importance of intrinsic muscle strengthening to enhance performance and reduce injury risk. Dr. Mayes shares insights into effective foot strengthening techniques, such as banded exercises and stair running, while highlighting the limitations of traditional exercises like toe doming. She also explores the impact of footwear, advocating for a gradual adaptation to minimalist shoes. The conversation covers the role of intrinsic muscles in chronic conditions like ankle instability and shin splints, and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes calf and hip strengthening. Listeners gain practical tips on creating foot strengthening programs, selecting appropriate exercises, and understanding the nuances of rehabilitation across different sports. Dr. Mayes underscores the importance of balancing foot strength and emphasizes the need for proper footwear to prevent stress fractures. The episode concludes with a call to acknowledge the lateral foot muscles and their role in distributing load effectively. Content 00:00 Intro 01:01 What are Foot Intrinsics? 01:40 Most common foot/ankle injuries in Ballet 02:20 Hallux Valgus 04:30 Taping for Hallux Valgus 06:12 Quantifying intrinsic muscle strength 08:03 Foot Arch 09:45 Sponsor 10:35 The dome exercise 12:30 Common misconceptions 13:43 Footwear 17:40 Intrinsic Foot muscle weakness as risk factor 19:50 Performance Impact 22:25 Building a foot strengthening program 27:32 Sponsor 28:44 Strength program progression 30:50 Balance program 32:43 Focus on Abductor Hallucis 34:42 What else to focus on? 36:15 Plyometrics 38:25 Footballer are like Ballerinas 41:12 What clinicians should know about feet 42:26 Sue's closing thoughts 44:10 Contact info & Outro   Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    45 min

  7. 2025-08-04

    Hamstrings under the Microscope with Jack Hickey

    Description In this episode, Dr. Jack Hickey, a leading researcher in hamstring injuries, shares valuable insights into the complexities of hamstring rehabilitation and injury prevention. He discusses the common misconceptions surrounding hamstring rehab, emphasizing the importance of understanding the adaptations targeted by specific exercises rather than simply mimicking injury mechanisms. Dr. Hickey also delves into the significance of hamstring muscle architecture, particularly the role of fascicle length as a modifiable risk factor for injury. He highlights recent research comparing the effectiveness of exercises like Nordic hamstring exercises and Romanian deadlifts in enhancing fascicle length. Dr. Hickey further explores his pioneering work in pain threshold rehabilitation, explaining how allowing low to moderate levels of pain during rehab can lead to better strength and muscle adaptation without delaying return-to-play timelines. He also touches on the fragility index as a measure of the robustness of risk factors associated with hamstring injuries. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hickey underscores the importance of individualized rehab programs, incorporating both on-field and gym-based conditioning, and the need to prioritize fundamental principles such as load management and athlete well-being. He also provides a glimpse into ongoing and future research endeavors aimed at advancing our understanding of hamstring injury mechanics and prevention strategies. This episode is packed with practical advice and evidence-based approaches for clinicians, making it a must-listen for those involved in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Guest Jack Hickey is a leading researcher in the field of hamstring injuries. Jack is currently based at Maynooth University in Ireland, where he joined in 2023 as the first academic in the Department of Sport Science and Nutrition.Before that, he was a Senior Lecturer at the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne and part of the SPRINT Research Centre, focusing on sports performance, injury, and rehab. His PhD centered on hamstring strain injuries and pain-threshold rehab – a body of work that earned him multiple national awards, including the ESSA Medal for best PhD thesis in Exercise and Sport Science.Beyond academia, Jack is an accredited Exercise Physiologist with over a decade of experience treating athletes from all levels—especially those dealing with hamstring injuries and ACL reconstructions.   Content 00:00 Intro 01:31 Why the interest in the hamstrings? 03:41 Transitioning from Australia to Ireland 06:05 Common Misconceptions in Hamstring Rehab 13:09 sponsor 13:46 How to measure fascicle length 16:07 Pain threshold rehabilitation explained 21:55 But there's more than pain levels 27:51 How to modify fascicle length 30:01 Nordic Hamstring Curls vs. RDLs 35:05 sponsor 36:08 Which exercises favor different parts of the hamstrings 40:54 Ideal eccentric loading parameters 43:40 What is the Fragility Index? 49:49 Describing Return to Play Criteria 52:47 Hamstring Rehab in the ideal world 5 6:15 Current Hamstring Research Highlights 59:32 Jack's closing thoughts 01:00:26 Contact Info & Outro   Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    1h 2m

  8. 2025-06-30

    Runeasi in Practice: AI Gait & Jump Analysis for Clinicians with Kurt Schütte

    Summary In this episode, we explore the innovative world of Runeasi, a company co-founded by Dr. Kurt Schütte, which is revolutionizing the assessment of running and jumping in both clinical and athletic settings. Dr. Schütte shares how Runeasi bridges the gap between lab-based biomechanics research and real-world application, offering affordable, evidence-based analysis tools. The episode delves into the workings of Runeasi's AI-driven 3D gait analysis and its jump module, highlighting their key metrics and practical applications in reducing injury risk and enhancing performance. Additionally, the podcast covers the benefits of using Runeasi for clinicians and coaches, its validation process, and its future developments, including remote rehabilitation and mobile app advancements. The discussion emphasizes Runeasi's mission to make data-driven insights accessible and actionable for everyday physiotherapists, coaches, and athletes. Guest Dr. Kurt Schütte, PhD in biomechanics, CEO, and co-founder of Runeasi — a company that's shaking up how we assess running and jumping in both clinical and athletic settings. After completing his PhD, Kurt saw a gap between the lab and the field — and a clear need for affordable, evidence-based biomechanics analysis that could be used in the real world. That realization became Runeasi. His mission? To empower clinicians and coaches to use data-driven insights to reduce injury risk and enhance performance — and to make this the standard within the next three years. Resources Andreas Halfmarathon Case Study with Runeasi Runeasi Website Content 00:00:00 Introduction of Dr. Kurt Schütte and Runeasi 00:01:06 Discussion on the origin of Runeasi 00:02:09 Motivation from research to entrepreneurship 00:04:11 Vision for data-driven insights in clinical practice 00:08:25 Core of Runeasi's AI-driven 3D gait analysis 00:09:50 Difference from traditional lab-based systems 00:12:27 Ensuring closeness to the gold standard 00:14:58 Main metrics from gait testing 00:22:02 Who uses Runeasi and for which scenarios 00:27:18 Typical test session walkthrough 00:32:24 Running on a treadmill vs. outdoors 00:38:11 Jump testing module 00:41:11 Main metrics in the jump module 00:44:26 Ensuring accuracy compared to force plates 00:48:34 Special cases in return to sport testing 00:52:59 Future developments for Runeasi 00:57:26 Message to physios hesitant about biomechanics tech 01:01:51 Final thoughts and how to get Runeasi Bonus Material Download the referenced transcript including PubMed Links and a high-resolution infographic on this episode as part of your Physiotutors membership on the Physiotutors App. Download the Free App now   Follow our Podcast on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Physiotutors Podcast offers in-depth conversations with leading clinicians, researchers, and educators who are advancing the field of physiotherapy. Each episode follows a consistent structure—covering clinical reasoning, current evidence, practical application, and professional growth. Our goal is to bridge the gap between research and daily practice. We discuss what the evidence really says, how to apply it, and where critical thinking matters most. Listeners can expect clear explanations, balanced discussions, and actionable insights that improve both understanding and patient outcomes. Designed for physiotherapists, students, and educators, the Physiotutors Podcast is your reliable source for grounded, science-based learning that keeps you current and confident in your clinical work.

Information

  • Creator
    Physiotutors
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Physiotutors
  • Show Website
    Physiotutors Podcast

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