I have now completed two ‘WIL’ (work integrated learning) placement blocks at Health
Dynamix. Predominantly under the guidance of Divya, I have been able to build upon my
physiotherapy skills, patient education and communication skills across a variety of
musculoskeletal conditions and populations.
Although university provides the important foundations of physiotherapy practice, learning
and enhancing my skills under Divya, Taruna, Shweta and Choco has had a profound impact
on my education. As well as Avril, who truly displays the efficiency and urgency required to
run a busy private health practice.
I thoroughly enjoy every week I get to attend Health Dynamix and I can honestly say, I have
never been in a private clinic that is so kind, engaging, professional and such a supportive
environment.
Under the supervision of Divya, I have been able to enhance my clinical reasoning skills
across a range of conditions, including but not limited to Adhesive capsulitis, shoulder
impingement, chronic back and neck pain and even Lymphatic drainage. Not only was I able
to learn clinical patterns within these conditions, but I was also able to observe Divya’s and
the team’s approach to educating their patients about their condition. I feel this is a
component that is lacking within the industry due to patients being under the impression
that they will be fixed once they receive treatment. I also attended the introduction of the
‘GLAD’ program which enabled me to observe the importance of improving the quality of
life through exercise and education in the older populations. The clinic encourages and
utilises clinical Pilates to their clients, and it is an area that I was intimidated by. Due to the
complex machines including the reformer and trapeze table, I now am eager to build upon
my exercise prescription skills in this format and hope to complete courses after university.
Attending professional developments with the team was such an eye-opening experience.
Discussing complex cases with Divya and the team consolidated my knowledge and helped
fill gaps. It also built my confidence as I was able to offer my opinion towards managing a
tendinopathy case.
During my second block of placement, I was introduced to treating several patients with
chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. University only teaches students introductory
mobilisations and soft tissue work, so the opportunity to learn from someone with 20 years
of experience in private practice is paramount to my skills as an aspiring clinician.
I look forward to the remaining two blocks with the team and am eager to learn about
further conditions, clinical patterns, problem solving on the move and hands-on treatment. I
am so grateful for the teams support, reassurance and welcoming environment.
Jack Welham