The Advice 4 Experts Would Give Their Younger Physio Selves

Every physio has an “if only I knew then what I know now” moment, or more realistically, multiple moments…

Early in our careers, we’re often focused on getting the diagnosis right, applying the correct technique, and remembering everything we learned at university. We read papers, attend courses, and follow respected voices in the profession, all in an effort to become better clinicians.

But if you ask experienced physiotherapists what truly shaped their practice, the answers are rarely about a single technique or treatment method. Instead, they tend to reflect deeper lessons about people, learning, and professional growth.

Recently we asked several well-respected clinicians what advice they’d give their younger physio selves. Here’s what they said:

Advice I’d give my younger physio self

Jared Powell

“I’d tell my younger self that it’s all going to be okay because you have curiosity, you are willing to work hard, and your focus is genuinely on helping people.

Take valid feedback on board to grow, but be careful of the cynics trying to cut you down. And most crucially, be true to yourself and your values.”

Claire Robertson

“You will not learn the most from books, journals, lectures, social media, or indeed colleagues. You will, at the start and throughout your career, learn more than anything from your patients.

You will only manage this if you listen carefully and reflect, ponder, and think about what your patients tell you – and never presume you’ve heard it all before”.

Tom Goom

“Find your passion within the profession.

I’ve always liked being a physio, but everything changed for me when I started working with runners and found what I was truly passionate about.

Work stopped feeling like work. I wanted to learn more and help more athletes, so reading papers and attending courses became exciting as I could see the results this new information was leading to.

We’re lucky to be physiotherapists because our profession is so broad and varied. Chances are there will be an area that lights you up and you really enjoy working in. Find that area and get stuck in.”

Adam Meakins

“Focus more on helping people build confidence in their body, not just what’s wrong with it.

That no manual therapy is highly specialised or specific – rather just a temporary comfort blanket.

Be comfortable saying “I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” and stop mistaking others’ certainty for competence.

Read everything critically and treat your own body like you expect others to respect theirs.

Finally, never outsource your thinking to gurus with loud voices, large social media followings, and weekend courses.”