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Lessons from the Trenches at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy

  • September 12, 2024
  • Karolina Bejmert

On my first day at work at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy I was told something that has stuck with me since, and it couldn’t be more true.

“We are a product of many” – Dean Phelps

Starting a career as a physiotherapist is a thrilling blend of excitement, challenge, and discovery.

As a first-generation Canadian of Polish descent and the first in my family to attend university, my journey has been shaped by a unique mix of personal drive and academic achievement.

After completing my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, I applied to many schools in Canada where I proceeded to get rejection after rejection. And it wasn’t because I wasn’t good enough or I didn’t have the grades, or the extracurriculars – but because it is such a competitive field with not enough spots & schools in Canada. 

It took me so long to learn this because I took it to heart.

For months I thought what if I wasn’t good enough and shouldn’t be a physiotherapist. I then saw an ad for Bond University’s Doctor of Physiotherapy program and decided “What do I have to lose?”.

I was accepted and had to have that hard chat with my family about me leaving. 

I moved to Australia in 2022 to pursue my Doctor of Physiotherapy degree at Bond University and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. 

After graduating this past June 2024, I embark on my professional path at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, the past month has been a whirlwind of growth and learning.

Here’s a glimpse into what I’ve experienced and the invaluable lessons I’ve gained.

Transitioning from Academia to Real-World Practice

The shift from academic learning to practical application in the world of physiotherapy has been both exhilarating and daunting.

My first month at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy has been marked by rapid discovery and growth.

Here’s an overview of the key insights and experiences that have shaped my early weeks in this dynamic field.

 

Understanding Patient Motivation: The Heart of Effective Treatment

One of the most profound lessons has been recognising the crucial role of patient motivation in achieving successful treatment outcomes.

While academic training emphasizes anatomy and techniques, real-world practice reveals that understanding a patient’s intrinsic motivation is essential.

Each patient comes with unique goals, fears, and expectations. Building a personal connection not only fosters trust but aligns therapeutic strategies with their individual goals.

Whether treating an athlete recovering from an injury or an office worker managing chronic pain, tapping into their motivation often becomes the key to unlocking their commitment to the rehabilitation process.

 

Embracing Cutting-Edge Technology: Insights from the Vald Suite

A standout feature of our practice is the integration of advanced technology, particularly the Vald Suite.

This innovative equipment allows us to measure and analyze muscle strength and performance with remarkable precision.

Learning to use this technology effectively has transformed how we approach patient care. It’s not merely about collecting data; it’s about using this objective information to inform clinical reasoning.

The Vald Suite helps identify strength imbalances that might not be visible through traditional methods, enabling us to tailor individualized treatment plans, track progress accurately, and make evidence-based decisions.

Discovering a Passion for Women’s Health

As I’ve immersed myself in practice, I’ve developed an unexpected passion for Women’s Health.

Initially, my focus was broader, but working with female patients has highlighted the unique challenges they face.

From addressing pelvic health issues to managing postpartum recovery, Women’s Health physiotherapy is both complex and profoundly rewarding.

The intricacies of hormonal influences, pelvic floor dynamics, and gender-specific injury prevention have sparked a deep interest in this specialty, potentially guiding my career focus in the future.

 

Exploring Gender Differences in Gym Experience and Barriers to Treatment

An important observation has been the gender-specific experiences and barriers encountered in gym and rehabilitation settings.

Men often face societal pressures to push through pain, while women may deal with body image issues, societal expectations, and a lack of tailored information.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for providing empathetic and effective care.

Addressing not just physical symptoms but also psychological and social barriers has been key to improving treatment adherence and outcomes.

 

The Importance of Clinical Reasoning and Flexibility

The need for clinical reasoning and flexibility has been a significant learning curve.

Every patient presents unique challenges, and what works for one may not work for another.

Developing strong clinical judgment has been essential for navigating these complexities.

Adapting treatment approaches based on real-time feedback and evolving patient needs has underscored the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and techniques.

 

Handling Difficult Conversations with Empathy

In a clinical setting, navigating challenging conversations is inevitable.

Whether discussing a diagnosis, addressing non-compliance, or handling sensitive topics like mental health, approaching these discussions with empathy and professionalism is crucial.

Learning to communicate with clarity and tact helps build trust and ensures that patients feel supported throughout their treatment.

Developing Clinical Judgment

Clinical judgment evolves over time, but the first month is critical for its development.

I’ve begun refining my ability to make informed decisions based on patient presentations, test results, and clinical experience.

This involves assessing the effectiveness of treatment strategies, modifying plans as needed, and learning from both successes and setbacks.

 

Managing Self-Care and Preventing Burnout

Recognizing and addressing burnout is vital in a demanding field like physiotherapy.

Balancing work and personal life, setting boundaries, and finding ways to decompress are essential for long-term career satisfaction. Developing self-care strategies early helps maintain health and enthusiasm for the job.

 

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Receiving and acting on feedback is crucial for professional growth.

In my first month, I’ve received feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and patients.

Learning to accept constructive criticism and use it to enhance my skills and practice is essential for continuous development.

Looking Ahead……..

 

In summary, Dean was right. Not only are we a product of many but I am a product of every physiotherapy educator I had in school and now the staff at Fighting Fit are molding me to be the best possible physiotherapist. 

My first month as a new grad physiotherapist has been a period of intense learning and adaptation.

 

From mastering patient communication and managing schedules to exploring complex treatment modalities and understanding practice management, every experience has contributed to my growth as a clinician.

Embracing these challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn has laid a strong foundation for my future career in physiotherapy.

 

As I continue my journey at Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, I’m excited about the path ahead.

 

The initial month has been a transformative experience, and I look forward to further developing my skills and deepening my understanding of physiotherapy. 

 

Here’s to more learning, growing, and positively impacting the lives of our patients!

Karolina Bejmert

Karolina is Polish-Canadian who moved to Australia in 2022 to live her dream and study physiotherapy.

She graduated from Bond University in June 2024.

Before that she studied at Queen’s University where she got her bachelor oof science specializing in Kinesiology.

With almost 5 years of experience working as a sports trainer in various sports and the Royal Military College of Canada.

Karolina enjoys the simple pleasures in life – reading, painting, hiking and travel. She is a player of many sports (but a master of none according toher) including American football, volleyball and rowing.

Karolina is overjoyed to be starting her career at Fighting Fit and we are excited for what the future has in store!

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is located at 3 / 25 Brendan Dr, Nerang, Gold Coast, QLD, 4211

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At Fighting Fit Physiotherapy, we recognise the impacts that pain and dysfunction can have on one’s personal and professional life. We are committed as primary healthcare professionals to help our clients resume their lifelong pursuit of health and well-being.

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I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)
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Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!
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Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.
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06:51 03 May 24
Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!
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08:41 24 Mar 23
Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much
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01:36 29 Nov 22
Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!
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After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's
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10:50 15 Aug 22
This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
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All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.
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Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

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call 0402 938 661

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

fighting fit
physiotherapy

GOLD COAST PHYSIO

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy provides the ultimate physiotherapy experience! No matter what type of injury or condition you suffer, we strive for all our patients to be ‘fighting fit’ and achieve peak performance in their sport and everyday life.

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Our Location

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