The Physio Matters Podcast

In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack is joined by Andy Thomas, founder of Physiquip and host of the Real Health podcast, to discuss his new book Real Growth and the thinking behind it. Rather than presenting another abstract business or personal development manual, Andy explains that Real Growth is built from real conversations, real careers, and real lived experience, drawn from more than 200 long-form podcast interviews across sport, healthcare, and business .The discussion explores why “real” growth matters. Andy contrasts authentic development with surface-level metrics and performative success, arguing that growth is rooted in values such as authenticity, positivity, humility, enjoyment, and reflection. The book weaves together insights from elite sport practitioners, clinicians, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, showing how lessons learned in one domain often translate powerfully into others.Andy describes the challenge of turning hundreds of conversations into a coherent structure, ultimately creating 30 short, accessible chapters grouped into themes. Each chapter ends with reflective questions designed to help readers apply insights to their own lives and work. The format mirrors how Andy himself learns: practical, digestible, and easy to dip into.The conversation also links Real Growth to Andy's wider work with Physiquip. He explains his belief that profitability, trust, and purpose are not opposites, but essential ingredients for sustainable healthcare businesses. Technology, he argues, is not about novelty, but about fit—supporting a clinic's vision rather than defining it.Overall, this episode is a thoughtful reflection on growth as a human process: built through curiosity, connection, optimism, and doing meaningful work well over time.

In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack is joined by Heather Mclellan, physiotherapist, occupational health specialist, and founder of The Return to Work Mentor, to explore a largely invisible gap in healthcare: what happens when people—especially small business owners and the self-employed—become ill or injured and have no access to occupational health support.Heather explains that while large organisations often have structured return-to-work systems, most UK workers are employed by micro-businesses with fewer than ten staff, where occupational health simply doesn't exist. As a result, people are left to “chance it”: either staying off work longer than necessary due to fear and uncertainty, or returning too early without a plan, risking relapse or failure.The conversation becomes deeply personal as Heather shares her own experience of suffering a rare stroke caused by an underlying blood cancer. Despite decades of expertise in vocational rehabilitation, she found herself navigating illness, identity, and work with virtually no formal support. Even income protection policies failed her—not because she lacked cover, but because she hadn't “played the game” correctly by formally stopping work and obtaining a sick note.Together, Jack and Heather unpack the emotional, cognitive, and financial strain of trying to hold a business together while managing a life-changing diagnosis. They discuss how performance, identity, and responsibility often mask distress, and why pathway-based or insurance-led systems routinely fail people at their most vulnerable.Heather introduces her “before, during, after” framework for health crises, which underpins The Return to Work Mentor. The goal is simple but powerful: to give people calm, practical guidance—direct to the individual—so they're not left alone to navigate one of the hardest transitions of their working lives.

In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack is joined by Rosie Sexton — osteopath, former MMA fighter, academic, and commentator — for a deep, nuanced conversation on “reasonable adjustments”, neurodivergence, and where workplace accommodation becomes ethically, practically, and emotionally complex.The discussion is sparked by a satirical MSK Mag article, Unreasonable Adjustments, written under the Glenohumeral pseudonym. Rosie explains why the piece felt frustrating and harmful to her: not because unreasonable adjustments don't exist, but because satire can slide from critique into reinforcing stereotypes, particularly around neurodivergence. She highlights how portrayals of “comfort-seeking” or “trend-driven diagnoses” can discourage people from requesting adjustments that would genuinely allow them to work better and avoid burnout.Jack responds by situating the article within its satirical intent and wider editorial context, acknowledging both its provocations and its blind spots. A central tension emerges: how do we hold space for individual needs while also recognising system-level constraints, particularly in under-resourced environments like the NHS?Both agree that unreasonable requests can exist — but they strongly resist framing this as neurodivergent staff versus patient care. Instead, they explore how adjustments can conflict with one another, how severity and context matter, and why careful, good-faith conversation is essential. Rosie argues that dismissing needs as “trivial” is dangerous, while Jack reflects on the uncomfortable reality of triage, scarcity, and competing demands.This episode doesn't offer neat answers. Instead, it models something rarer: a respectful, intellectually honest disagreement, showing how complex issues can be explored without shutting conversation down.

In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack speaks with researcher and osteopath David Evans about what has actually changed in low back pain care over the past 20 years — and what hasn't. Using data from a unique follow-up study comparing physiotherapists, osteopaths, and chiropractors, David reveals that the story is more nuanced than the usual “hands-on vs hands-off” narrative.Spinal manipulation use has fallen across all three professions — not just physios — while massage and acupuncture have increased, suggesting clinicians haven't abandoned hands-on care, but have shifted the type of intervention used. Specific exercises have declined while general exercise has risen, aligning more closely with guideline messaging around activity and self-management. Interestingly, these trends don't map neatly onto clinical guidelines, raising questions about what really drives practice change: pain science discourse, safety concerns, professional identity, training exposure, and system pressures all emerge as possible influences.The conversation moves beyond techniques to bigger issues in MSK care: the limits of pathway-based models, the “average effect” problem in RCTs, and why back pain research may be set up to underestimate treatment impact by measuring outcomes many months later. A major theme is the long-standing struggle to move beyond “non-specific low back pain.” David argues the future may lie in mechanism-based subgrouping (nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, inflammatory) — if diagnostic precision can improve enough to meaningfully guide treatment.

In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack is joined by Joshua Catlett, former physio, founder of Bodyset, and now founder of Verilo, to unpack the realities of buying and selling MSK clinics—and why it's far more complex than most owners expect. Joshua explains that for many clinic owners, a sale is a once-in-a-lifetime event with huge consequences: get it right and it can be life-changing; get it wrong and you can lose money, damage reputation, or sell to the wrong buyer.A key theme is preparation and timing. Joshua warns against selling out of necessity (lease pressure, staff loss, burnout), and encourages owners to plan ahead so they can sell from a position of strength. He also challenges a common assumption: the “natural” exit via associate buyout is often more myth than reality, with fewer clinicians wanting (or able) to buy practices today due to funding constraints and higher borrowing costs .The conversation highlights why some practices aren't truly “saleable”—often because they're essentially a job: highly owner-dependent revenue, home-based setups, or limited transferable infrastructure. Joshua outlines the main levers that increase valuation and buyer confidence: reducing owner dependency by building a team, securing strong premises and lease terms (ideally 5+ years remaining), and lowering risk for the buyer .They also discuss the brokerage landscape, contrasting passive “listing” brokers with high-end corporate finance, and positioning Verillo in the middle: structured, strategic, and specialist. The episode closes with practical advice: prepare early, stabilise key risks, and get the right representation—because structured sales processes tend to achieve higher prices and higher completion ratesFREE GUIDE HERE

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In this episode of Chewing It Over, Jack is joined by pain coach and clinician Richmond Stace for a wide-ranging, thoughtful exploration of what pain coaching is, and why it matters for people living with persistent and chronic pain.Richmond traces the origins of pain coaching from his multidisciplinary background in nursing, pain science, and coaching, describing it not as a rigid framework but as an approach and a way of being. Central to this approach is meeting people exactly where they are, prioritising relationship, presence, and communication over protocols or prescriptive solutions. Pain coaching, he argues, is less about “fixing” pain and more about supporting meaningful, sustained change in a person's life.A core theme of the conversation is the idea of pain as a lived experience or need state, rather than a purely structural or biological problem. Richmond challenges dominant biomedical narratives, suggesting that pain is information rather than error, and that persistent pain often reflects unmet needs, limiting beliefs, and misaligned ways of living rather than “broken” bodies. This perspective reframes recovery as a process of growth, insight, and updated understanding, rather than symptom eradication alone.The discussion explores why rigid beliefs, fear-based avoidance, and future-focused thinking can keep people stuck, and how coaching helps individuals reconnect with the present moment, their own strengths, and their capacity for change. Drawing on motivational interviewing, psychotherapy, and Eastern philosophy, Richmond emphasises that transformation happens through insight, relationship, and self-compassion, not through protocols or techniques alone.This episode is a deep, reflective conversation for clinicians and patients alike who want to rethink pain, recovery, and what it truly means to help people get better.https://richmondstace.substack.com/

In this episode of Chewing It Over, host Jack Chew speaks with Carolyn Kent, founder and director of the Women's Football Hub, about the history, culture, health, and future of women's football. Kent explains that her passion is rooted both in a love for the game and in a desire to address historical injustices, particularly the 1921 ban on women's football that continues to shape attitudes today. Drawing on her background as a former player, physiotherapist, academic, and practitioner within elite football, she describes how the sport shaped her career while also exposing persistent barriers faced by women.Kent outlines the vision behind the Women's Football Hub: a deliberately broad, multidisciplinary platform that combines sport science, health, sociology, business, and lived experience. Rather than focusing narrowly on injuries or feminism alone, the Hub aims to engage women who are “football curious” and to close widespread knowledge gaps, particularly around female health. She emphasises the importance of teamwork and diverse perspectives in building the Hub, noting that its success depends on contributors who often remain behind the scenes.The conversation also explores key differences between men's and women's football, including fan culture, safety, marketing strategies, and media narratives. Kent argues that women's football should not simply replicate the men's model, but instead develop approaches that reflect its unique audiences and values. She also addresses misconceptions around injuries, highlighting that while ACL injuries receive disproportionate attention, hamstring and MCL injuries are more common, and that inadequate training environments play a major role.Ultimately, Kent frames women's football as a powerful social, public health, and cultural intervention. Looking ahead, she hopes to reduce participation barriers, encourage more women to play for enjoyment, and shift the conversation from education alone toward implementation and meaningful behaviour change.

Jack Chew talks all about measurement tech for the clinical space with Athan who is CEO of our partners Kinvent! He is an interesting charecter with a background in sport and engineering which led him to develop MSK specific measurement equipment!Get all your equipment for measuring here: http://landing.kinvent.com/partner-physiomatters

Physio Matters and Physiquipe have joined forces in a partnership to enable access to best in class clinical education AND clinical technology. The collaborative aim to improve rehabilitation standards for better patient outcomes across the MSK landscape is intentionally challenging and lofty. It also aligns perfectly with both Physiquipe and Physio Matters respective aims helping to elevate both simultaneously!Interested in Diagnostic Ultrasound and/or shockwave for your clinic? Go to this link and if you get a machine then you will unlock 3 years of Physio Matters Premium Membership at no extra cost!https://content.physiquipe.com/physiomatters

In this mini episode of You Matter, Joanne and I discuss the power of setting agreements with your patient, not just at the beginning of an episode of treatment but at every session, and even within a session. Rather than wondering, "Is this right? Are they happy? Am I doing a good job? " You get an answer in real time. Your patient gets seen and heard, and you are relieved from the pain of wondering. There are surprising benefits for both of you.Coaching Unpeeled: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mehab/1737501Future Dates: https://tinyurl.com/4f5nh8fm

In this episode of Physio Matters, Jack Chew and Rob Bevan dive deep into how they use Cliniko to streamline and grow their clinics. Drawing on Jack's experience running a smaller practice and Rob's decade of managing a larger MDT clinic, they share practical insights into online bookings, patient communication, diary management, and notes systems.They unpack why Cliniko consistently delivers higher conversion rates for online bookings, how tailored reminders and confirmations reduce admin and no-shows, and why small tweaks in setup can transform patient experience. The discussion also explores clever ways to categorize services, manage next-available appointments, and integrate automations to free up time while keeping a human touch.Whether you're just getting started with Cliniko or want to optimize how your practice uses it, this episode offers actionable tips, real-world examples, and lessons learned from years of trial, error, and success in MSK practice management.90 day free trial: cliniko.com/physio-matters

Today I'm Chewing Over sore young knees and how to help manage them with Claire Robertson & Tom JacobsCIO is a weekly lunchtime livestream with Jack Chew chatting about whatever is topical. Usually healthcare and education, occasionally current affairs, always honest.

Chewing It Over — AI, Ethics & the Future of PhysiotherapyJack Chew is joined by Ash James (CSP's Director of Practice and Development) to tackle the hot topic of artificial intelligence in physiotherapy — and the newly released CSP Statement of Principles on the subject.This wide-ranging conversation explores the origins of the document, the reasons for its principle-based approach over policy, and what it means for clinicians across sectors — from MSK to sport, education, and beyond.In this episode:▪ Why the CSP chose agile principles instead of hard rules▪ Data governance, patient safety, and protecting professional titles▪ How AI might support — not replace — clinical decision-making▪ What physios need to know about legal and ethical use of generative tools▪ The future role of human touch in a tech-enhanced professionAsh and Jack don't shy away from critiques — including whether the CSP is reacting too slowly, or even too early, and how the profession can keep its identity amidst change.Want to weigh in? Check out the CSP's guidance and send your thoughts to info@physio-matters.comMentioned in this episode:CSP Statement of Principles on AINHS Lanarkshire serviceMedical device regulationData privacy, GDPR, and patient trustLike, comment, and subscribe to keep the conversation moving.

Chewing It Over — MVPs, Belief & Building Before You're ReadyJack digs into the messy middle of product development — when you're building something people can believe in, even if it's not finished with two wonderful Jo's (Turner and Elphinston).Prompted by a conversation about MVPs, early-stage traction, and product storytelling, Jack explores how clarity, confidence, and customer obsession shape successful products long before they're “ready.”This episode touches on:▪ Why belief is often more valuable than features▪ The fine line between feedback-driven and vision-led development▪ How to communicate what you're building — even when it barely exists▪ And why showing enough to inspire action beats waiting for perfect polishWhether you're launching a product, building a business, or just figuring out how to talk about your idea, this one's for you.Got thoughts or questions? Reach out at: info@physio-matters.comLike, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives from the front lines of innovation, leadership, and healthcare.

The Elephant in the Treatment Room Jack Chew is back, diving headfirst into a controversial topic that's stirred the waters on LinkedIn. In this solo episode, Jack unpacks a bold statement made by a leader in UK physiotherapy regarding the undervaluation of quality care by private medical insurers — and the uncomfortable contradictions that come with it. From public post to corporate ownership, Jack explores the blurred lines between truth-telling and virtue signaling, the influence of venture capital on care standards, and why leadership accountability matters more than ever. This episode isn't just a takedown — it's a rallying call for integrity, transparency, and deeper discussion in MSK care. Join the conversation: ▪ Should clinic leaders speak out publicly or tackle issues internally? ▪ Are private medical insurers solely to blame for degrading care standards? ▪ What role does corporate consolidation play in patient outcomes? Send feedback or thoughts to: info@physio-matters.com Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered physio commentary every week!

Matt Phillips has a modern approach to the treatment of runners. It doesn't involve tech or new treatment potocols - the main distinction in Matt's approach is an acknowledgement of the potential impact of a client's mental and wellbeing state, on their running performance and recovery from injury. With this in mind, Matt and I discuss the benefits of this approach to you, as well as your clients. Allowing yourself to take longer to get to the route of the problem, to do less in a session, and to accept that you may be just a part of this person's recovery. We also talked about the magic of collaborating with colleagues so that together you can navigate these new ways of working and of talking about how you work. Contacts for Matt Across social media @runchatlive STA Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sports-therapy-association-podcast/id1540427581 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/09vmcVVDN1lrq1kQ3ExXWJ Link for Coaching Unpeeled https://buytickets.at/mehab/1520869

Mehab.co.ukIn this episode I am joined by clinical researchers Gillian Campbell, Katherine Mcnabb, and Virginia Rivers Bulkeley, 3 brave souls taking on the challenge of balancing clinical work and research in physiotherapy. In a wonderfully honest conversation, Katherine, Gillian and Virginia tell me about their motivations, their challenges, and the rewards of pursuing a clinical academic career, plus some tips for clinicians considering research.Key themes in this epsiodeInspiration: We discuss what inspired each guest to pursue clinical research, from addressing gaps in evidence to a desire to improve patient care and challenge existing norms.Work-Life Balance: The realities of juggling clinical practice with research, including time management, headspace, and the importance of a supportive network.Challenges & Rewards Insights into the difficulties of securing funding, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating the publication process, alongside the joys of discovery and contributing to the physiotherapy community.Advice for Aspiring Researchers: Valuable tips for clinicians considering a move into research, including the importance of mentorship, following your curiosity, and developing a thick skin.Future of Physiotherapy Research: Guests' perspectives on the key questions that need answering in physiotherapy research, with a focus on personalised treatment and integrating technology for better patient outcomes.

Adam shared his personal and professional journey, from working in a takeaway to becoming a physiotherapist, and his experiences with dyslexia, social belonging, and imposter syndrome. He discussed his transition from traditional medical practices to starting his own business, Working And Pain Solutions, which focuses on helping people with chronic pain reintegrate into the workforce. The conversation also touches on the importance of community building, honesty, and social belonging in our profession as a whole.

Jack discusses the new partnership between Physio Matters and Physio First with Katie Knapton (Physio First Chair). The history of both groups is relevant and no stone is left unturned. Can a partnership better serve the private sector for Physiotherapists? We think so! Physio Matters Premium is now INCLUDED at no cost in Physio First Membership. You can find out more here

Celia Champion was in the clinic so Jack convinced her to join him behind the microphone to discuss business in MSK!

Chewing It Over Is Back! In this episode of "Chewing It Over," Jack Chew delves into the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare. He explores how AI technologies are transforming diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient outcomes in the MSK field. He goes on to think about current applications, potential benefits, and the challenges faced in adopting AI within MSK practice.

Today I'm Chewing Over the application of coaching principles with Joanne Elphinston & Jo Turner.CIO is a weekly lunchtime livestream with Jack Chew chatting about whatever is topical. Usually healthcare and education, occasionally current affairs, always honest.

In this episode, Tom Jacobs, clinician and business owner shares his experiences of: • Balancing multiple professional roles, including running a private practice, teaching, and charity work • Transitioning from the NHS to entrepreneurship • Building a thriving team culture • Navigating the challenges of work-life balance with a young family Tom offers valuable insights on: • The importance of purpose in career choices • Effective delegation and leadership strategies • Creating a positive workplace environment • The impact of personal values on professional life More from Jo at mehab.co.uk

We hear lots about the climate, crisis, announcements and so on, but why should MSK Therapists care? Jen McNesfield discusses this with Jack and if you werent convinced before, you will be!

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With Jon Head, Helen Underwood & Martin Christensen 2 more tales from clinicians, Jon and Helen who have made the move into a different, but related careers. And a real-time account from Martin Christensen who only stopped working as a physio 2 weeks ago. He's not sure yet, if he's jumped from the frying pan, into the fire! Mehab.co.uk

What's it matter if hormone profiles change? Phillipa Butler is here to explain to Jack that we should be extremely bothered about the Menopause! 3 Months FREE RehabMyPatient EVENTS

Nicola Graham has smashed a podcast series all about High Performance, she discusses this with Jack and they explore whats next. 3 Months Free RehabMyPatient EVENTS

With: Kim Knight, Orla O'Doherty, Jane Mitchell, Simon Pearce Hear the inspiring journeys of four physiotherapists who successfully transitioned into new careers. Each interview delves into their motivations, that moment when they decided to make the move, things they miss and things they don't. In their own way, each of my guests has explored the art of career reinvention and the power of following your passion.

https://buytickets.at/physiomatters

Jennifer James is trailblazing the way in obesity management and understanding. This was originally a Chewing It Over episode that Jim couldn't bring himself to edit down as the full hour is absolutely fantastic conversation. Unmissable. rehabmypatient.com/physiomatters

Quality Improvement doesn't need to be anxiety inducing (those notes audits!) Jo Kitchen, network co-ordinator for Allied Health Professionals Quality Improvement (AHPQI) explains that it simply means finding ways to make things better. When asked "What matters to you?" many therapists responded that knowing they were delivering a quality service, improved their sense of fulfilment and well-being. Jo describes how she has learned to include everyone (service users and those delivering services) in discussions around 'how we got here, what the problems and potential solutions might be' - rather than feeling she has to go it alone and fix everything herself.

A podcast special and tell everyone but we are getting the bug back for longform with much much more to come! Joanne Elphinston is not unique in exploring movement but her approach to "beautiful" movement certainly steps further than most. Is this good/bad, necessary/over the top? No stone is left unturned... supported by rehabmypatient.com

Becki is an NHS Doctor, supporting sensitive people to change the world, without changing themsleves. What if, as a sensitive person, you could stay, and actively thrive in healthcare? Becki has done just that. Listen to her inspiring story, full of tips for any of you who might've been told, and probably tried to be more resilient, but who know that cap doesn't fit. mehab.co.uk

Yes Listeners - FLIC IS BACK! Everyone's favourite host discusses what MSK Clinicians need to know about Perimenopause and its effects with Claire Callaghan.Claire is a specialist Physiotherapist who smashed her Therapy Live talk out of the park on the introducing stage and we couldn't be happier that she shared her expertise with us.https://www.clairecallaghan.com/

John Cowman has been in post 6 months and Jack grills him over the past present and future of the CSP.

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Michael O'Reilly is here to discuss this controversial topic. In a really good debate where both Jack and Michael disagree but also concede some ground they cover a lot of topics! Michael is speaking at Therapy Live 2024

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In this episode we talk about why the tennis backhand is better than the forehand, about the frog who went a wooing.....oh and a bit about Tom's writing career. Mehub

One whole lot of stress occurred when the CSP announced the insurance held with them will no longer cover "Thoracic Acupuncture". What does that mean? What are the time frames? How can you go about making sure you are insured?!?! Jonathan Hobbs is here from the AACP (he is the chair so he knows!) to answer all these questions

Chewing It Over High Performance Episode 3 is here and its all about Leadership! Dan Howells is a High Performance Coach and he discusses how to link leadership and learning for the best possible outcomes! Check out Nookal and their special offer for Listeners HERE: https://www.nookal.com/promotions/msk24

I approached Charli when I noticed that, as well as being a clinician, she is also a celebrant. What I didn't know is that she is also a wine expert, a gay, autistic woman with ADHD who is in the middle of a phd looking at the effect of rubber pitch services on injury in male rugby players. And we cover all of that in this epsiode!

Are Chiropractors better than Physios...? Daniel Moore chews it over with Jack and they come to some interesting conclusions!

Chewing It Over High Performance Episode 2 is here and its all about Data!Rhys Carter of Carter and George Physiotherapy Clinics discusses how data relates to and can improve performance in MSK Check out Nookal and their special offer for Listeners HERE: https://www.nookal.com/promotions/msk24

Siobhan Cowling talks to Jo about what led her to leave Physiotherapy, coping with the transition, what she misses about work, the negatives, 'Who am I?' and the positives, the tips and tricks she's learned along the way. Siobhan says she still hasn't become comfortable with the R word, but she's found a great alternative and is loving her refirement!

Adam Dobson is here to chew over low back pain. One of the most complex Musculoskeletal conditions we deal with, nothing and everything works. Right?