Building Function
Listen in as Brad and the team of Exercise Physiologists at Specialised Health and Reva Wellness breakdown the barriers to improving the function of those with chronic health conditions such as cancer, chronic fatigue and mental health. Our aim is not only to help patients with these conditions come out the other side stronger than ever but to also empower those who work in the rehabilitation and insurance industry to understand what else they can do to support their clients along the road to recovery.
Episodes
SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
Exercise Physiology & the Path to Recovery: A look into NextStep NZ
In this episode of 'Building Function,' we take a dive into the world of NextStep New Zealand - a rehabilitation facility in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. We'll explore who they are, the individuals they assist, and their unique approach to breaking down barriers for those with diverse exercise and rehab needs.
Join us as we discuss the landscape of exercise physiology in New Zealand and how NextStep contributes to this field.
Discover the inspiring work being done at NextStep New Zealand and their commitment to 'Building Function' for all.
To learn more about what they do and follow the inspiring stories of their members - check them out at https://www.nextstepnz.com/
SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
A lifestyle approach to medicine, with ‘Your Lifestyle Medics'
Meet Marissa and Taisia, general practitioners who've taken a fascinating detour into the world of lifestyle medicine.
In this episode, we sit down for a chat with these two about what sparked their shift from typical medical practice to the more holistic approach of lifestyle medicine. Ever wondered what it really means to embrace a lifestyle-based health strategy? They've got you covered, sharing stories, insights, and even a few "a-ha" moments from their journey.
So join us for a down-to-earth conversation. You might just discover a whole new way to think about your well-being.
And before you go, make sure to peek at the awesome things they're up to over at https://www.yourlifestylemedics.com/.
AUGUST 8, 2023
Navigating and Advocating for CFS/ME: A Conversation with Fiona Charlton
In this episode of the Building Function Podcast, we had the privilege of interviewing Fiona Charlton, a remarkable individual who, despite living with chronic illness, continues to make a positive impact. Fiona, is the President of ANZMES (The ME Society of New Zealand) and Complex Chronic Illness Support Inc.
We chat about Fiona’s personal journey with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and the important work being done by the organisations she is involved with. Fiona shares insights into living with ME, coping strategies, and the qualities of positive healthcare experiences. We also explore the missions and objectives of ANZMES, discuss barriers encountered, and learn how healthcare professionals can contribute to raising awareness and providing better support. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Fiona!
AND don’t miss out on the amazing resources available to you on the ANZMES website: https://anzmes.org.nz/
JUN 28, 2023
Building Effective Remote Teams with Lisa George
Join us on Episode 20 of the Building Function Podcast, as we dive into the world of building effective remote teams. Our special guest today is Lisa George, the visionary founder of Momentum Rehab, a leading remote team of Occupational Therapists in Australia.
Lisa's journey began in 2004 when she established Momentum Rehab as a purely remote business, long before remote work became mainstream. Inspired by her own experiences with breast cancer and personal loss, Lisa redefined the purpose of work and life, leading her to create a flexible and purpose-driven remote team.
In this episode, we'll explore Lisa's remarkable story and her insights on remote team building. Discover the key benefits and challenges of working remotely, not only for Lisa and her team but also for customers seeking remote services.
Delve into Lisa's wealth of knowledge as she shares essential ingredients for creating an engaged, sustainable, and thriving remote team. Uncover her strategies and practices for fostering teamwork, connection, and a healthy work-life balance in a remote work environment.
Learn more about Lisa and the work she does:
Valuable resource for remote team leaders: Whitepaper | Remote Team Queen
Momentum rehab website: www.momentumrehab.com.au
Remote Team Queen website: www.remoteteamqueen.com.au
MAY 1, 2023
Overcoming Chronic Pain: A Conversation with Cara Leyton
In this episode of the Building Function podcast, host Tessa sits down with Cara Leyton, founder of the corrective movement business, Intension. With a personal history of chronic pain, Cara spent her Master's degree studying lower back pain and posture. She spent five years as a Sports Therapist before launching Intension earlier this year.
Tessa chats with Cara about her journey into the exercise industry, how her personal experience with pain shapes her approach to helping others, and the general process she goes through when working with clients. Cara shares some of the most common challenges she encounters in this line of work and addresses how she overcomes them.
Finally, Tessa asks Cara the Fast 5 questions, where she shares her book recommendation, favourite stretch, and how she manages stress.
Tune in to this informative and inspiring conversation!
FEB 28, 2023
Chronic Pain with Daniel Arbilla
Today, we are delving into the topic of chronic pain, why it is such a complex condition to work with, and some of the things we wish we knew when we first started practising as EP’s. We talk about the difference between trying to ‘fix’ someones chronic pain condition versus supporting and guiding them. Daniel’s openness and honesty about his learnings over the past few years is refreshing, and reinforces the importance of being brave enough to acknowledge that no-one has ‘all the answers’. Instead, we should aim to surround ourselves with a network of supportive health professionals and mentors that we can talk to, so that we can all learn and grow together.
This is a really important conversation that every EP should listen to. We hope you enjoy!
FEB 6, 2023
RED-S with Dr Katie Schofield
“Connecting the dots between psychology and physiology in female elite sports”
In this episode Yolanda speaks to Dr Katie Schofield, Sport Scientist and Performance Nutritionist from Cambridge, New Zealand. Katie represented New Zealand as an elite track cyclist and it was during this time that she was diagnosed with RED-S. Katie decided to pursue a PhD in RED-S to investigate the interplay between the psychosocial and physiological aspects of energy availability in sports.
Yolanda and Katie discuss her personal experience in elite sports, the symptoms of low energy availability and RED-S, and touch on some of the differences between males and females when it comes to exercise training, and fueling the body. We hope you enjoy!
JAN 5, 2023
Volunteering and Lifeline with Alicia Gibbs
***Disclaimer: If you or anyone you know are experiencing any mental health symptoms, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
“If it’s important to us, we need to make the time”
In today’s episode we talk to Alicia Gibbs, an incredibly experienced Sydney-based Rehabilitation Coordinator at a major insurance company, who is also a Mentor and Telephone Crisis Volunteer at Lifeline Australia.
Brad and Alicia discuss all things volunteering, making specific reference to Alicia’s volunteer work at Lifeline, and shed some light on some of the challenges that Telephone Crisis operators face, and how the communication skills acquired as part of volunteering translate into everyday life. We hope you enjoy!
Relevant Resources:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
NOV 25, 2022
The World of Pharmacy with Nicolette Ellis
Today we’re talking to Nicolette Ellis, an advanced practice pharmacist with specialised clinical experience in persistent pain, cancer pain, Substance Use Disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and mental health conditions.
Nicolette is a Program Manager at Brisbane South Primary Health, in addition to being a Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Beyond Pain and the Vice President of Chronic Pain Australia. We chat about all things Pharmacy and medications in the chronic pain space, and their role in a patient-centred treatment approach. Nicolette also talks about the work she is doing with the ACTMed study and through the Pain Assist program with Anjelo Ratnachandra at Beyond Pain. We hope you enjoy!
Relevant links:
OCT 18, 2022
Mindfulness and Meditation
On today’s podcast the team delves into the topic of mindfulness and meditation. Yolanda, Tessa and Dan discuss what mindfulness entails, and how they came to be aware of and practice mindfulness themselves.
We discuss some of the literature and research supporting the use of mindfulness in various populations, in addition to some of the self-reported benefits and physiological adaptations that occur as a result of long-term mindfulness practice. We finish with some practical takeaways for listeners who are looking to dip their toes into the world of mindfulness. We hope you enjoy!
Resources:
https://specialisedhealth.com.au/meditation-for-chronic-pain/
http://www.sahajayogaportal.org/papers/whymeditation.pdf
Additional Links:
JUL 14, 2022
Exercise Oncology with Jessica Allan
On today’s podcast we talk to Jessica Allan, a fellow exercise physiologist out of Christchurch who is currently undertaking some important exercise-based research in cancer populations with her colleague, Dr Linda Buss.
We discuss Jessica’s studies and experiences as an EP in her homeland of New Zealand and from her time in Western Australia, and the differences between the two. We also delve into some of Jessica’s research projects, including her current Exercise Oncology feasibility study with the University of Canterbury and Christchurch Hospital and her previous research on Cancer Cachexia.
Relevant references: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.836804/full
Additional links: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/14/10/2512/htm
JUN 27, 2022
CancerAid with Dr Jonny Lo
On today’s podcast we talk to the inimitable Dr Jonny Lo about all-things surfing and his background in medicine and technology, as well as discussing the recent CancerAid Study!
Dr Jonny Lo has had an incredible career to date and brings a wealth of experience to the Building Function podcast. We discuss the rationale and significance of the recent CancerAid Study, what exactly the CancerAid program entails, and also shed light on some of the outcomes of the program on symptoms, quality of life and work-related outcomes. We hope you enjoy!
Relevant references:
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/canceraid/id1138574844
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.com.canceraid&hl=en_AU&gl=US
MAY 11, 2022
POTS And Other Invisible Illnesses With Jennifer Smallridge
“There’s an issue with the software, not the hardware”
On today’s podcast we talk to fellow Specialised Health Exercise Physiologist Jennifer Smallridge about all things invisible illnesses! These include but are not limited to conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and specifically on todays podcast, POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachicardia Syndrome.
Jen has an abundance of experience working with these target populations out of Melbourne, through her work with Specialised Health, as well as her work in private practice and through the University of Melbourne. We delve into POTS and discuss common symptoms, some causes of POTS, exercise do’s and don’ts and some other strategies that can be helpful in the management of POTS, including Heart Rate Variability. We also touch on the interaction between Long-Covid on POTS conditions, and talk about some real-world examples of POTS patients.
Relevant references: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.860198/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6289756/
Additional links:
MAR 21, 2022
Chronic Pain in the New World with Anjelo Ratnachandra
Anjelo Ratnachandra is the founder of Beyond Pain and an award-winning practitioner who established one of the first private chronic pain physiotherapy services in Australia. Anjelo and his team based in Melbourne help patients with chronic pain conditions to overcome their challenges and build their function and nowadays Anjelo has become popular not only as a practitioner but also for running his own workshops where he trains other health practitioners in his novel approaches to chronic pain therapy.
In the new post-pandemic world, Anjelo and his team have become experts at continuing to deliver their novel approach to chronic pain therapy via telehealth and in this episode Anjelo shares some of the secrets to his success so other practitioners, and chronic pain sufferers, can continue to receive treatment and avoid making their difficult journey even longer.
Enjoy!
MAR 6, 2022
The Psychology / Exercise Relationship with Api Taiapa
Today, our NZ-based EP Tessa Nielsen takes the mike to interview a good friend of hers - Api Taiapa - who works as an organisational psychologist in the Air Force in Blenheim, NZ.
Api gives us some great insight into his favourite areas of psychology, maintaining our mental health and how organisations can better support mental health in the fast-paced world we live in. They talk about how exercise compliments mental health, and conversely, how our psychology can impact on our sports performance. And of course, it's all brought back to the space we work in - how it applies in the return to work space, and what employers can be doing for their employees who have taken time off work due to mental health reasons.
We hope you enjoy it!
Links:
- The Happiness Lab Podcast: https://www.happinesslab.fm/
FEB 14, 2022
Preventing Burnout With Exercise Physiologist Georgia Devine
Georgia Devine is a Melbourne based Exercise Physiologist working within the Specialised Health team, however, Georgia is one of those remarkable individuals who manages to go ahead and continue studying and so is currently working her way through her Masters of Psychology.
For that reason we thought Georgia would be a great one to chat to in regards to Burnout, what it is and what you can do to avoid it.
Enjoy!
JAN 04, 2022
A Biokineticist In New Zealand
In this episode, we were lucky enough to rope in Carmyn Barnes to come and have a chat with us about her experience working in the field of Exercise Physiology in New Zealand!
Carmyn studied and worked as an Exercise Physiologist (known as a biokineticist) in South Africa, before crossing the globe to end up in New Zealand. Coming from a country where EP’s are well known and well embedded into the health care system, to a country where most people have never heard of Exercise Physiology, was quite a shock to the system for Carmyn! The South African Biokineticist ecosystem is about 20 years ahead of New Zealand, so the Kiwis have some catching up to do!
Luckily, thanks to the work of Carmyn and others working in the profession, things have progressed a lot over the past few years. We are hopeful that Exercise Physiology will follow in the footsteps of both Australia and SA, and continue to gain momentum and awareness in New Zealand over the years to come.
DEC 13, 2021
Learn To Teach And Learn To Learn With Brad McGregor
This was an absolute pleasure of a conversation that was immensely enjoyable for me and i’m sure you’ll love it too.
Brad McGregor is a lifetime learner and passionate teacher of all topics related to fitness, strength, conditioning and exercise physiology.
Brad is one of the most highly sought after Exercise Physiologists in Brisbane and when plying his trade with our company, Specialised Health, his frequent referrers would happily place their patients on Brad’s month long waiting list just to ensure they were able to access his services.
Whilst he’s of course a brilliant EP, Brad also had the great skill of being able to clearly and effectively teach others how to ply the trade and it’s this part of Brad’s skillset that we dig into in great depth in this episode as Brad not only shares his secrets to being a successful educator but also his tips on how to optimise your own learning.
Enjoy!
DEC 2, 2021
The New Frontier Of Fatigue Management
In this episode we discuss our novel approach to fatigue management which involves helping patients to track various biometric factors such as step count, heart rate and our “hero” metric, Heart Rate Variability, in order to better quantify the loads being placed on their body and using this information to tailor their activity plans more specifically.
We discuss the updated NICE guidelines as well as the previous methods of fatigue management, how we adapted the use of HRV from athletic populations into the clinical space and some of the challenges we encounter along the way.
Enjoy!
NOV 15, 2021
The Alarming Statistics Surrounding Mental Health!
Whether it’s related to the pandemic or whether we were already trending this way, the incidence of mental health conditions is on the rise. In the general public, there is more awareness of what the symptoms of mental ill-health are, there are more people sourcing treatment and there’s less stigma attached to those who are seeking help. But if the general public is improving in all aspects surrounding mental health, why aren’t workplaces?
A recent survey found 74% of people with a mental health condition felt they were treated differently at work as a result of their condition, 46% felt their supervisor thought they were exaggerating or faking their illness and only 37.5% felt their employer made an effort to find suitable employment for them.
Given these stats, we as Exercise Physiologists working with patients with mental illnesses felt we had to discuss this topic a little deeper. Enjoy!
SEP 28, 2021
How And Why Do Exercise Physiologists Adopt A BPS Approach To Their Rehab Programs?
Ever since George Engel theorised about the Biopsychosocial approach to rehabilitation in 1977 it’s fair to say that the model has caught fire in the rehab world. The number of studies published on PubMed each year, focusing on the BPS model, has increased 30x from around 11 studies in 1980 to 319 studies in the year 2019.
So why is it so popular and what are the components that need to be focused on if you, as a clinician, are to “adopt a biopsychosocial approach” to your patient’s rehabilitation program?
We discuss this and more in this week’s episode of Building Function.
SEP 14, 2021
Who Are Ya?
In this first episode of Building Function you’ll get to know us, the hosts, Brad, Aidan and Yolanda and find out why we wanted to start the only (from what we’re aware) podcast about working as Exercise Physiologists in the insurance world…
Find out how, or if, they can explain Exercise Physiology in 10 seconds or less…
What is the difference between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy? How do Exercise Physiologists use a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach to build function for patients who are suffering a chronic illness?
What makes a “good” EP in the compensable spaces, how Exercise Physiologists empower the decision making process of General Practitioners and more.
