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Physiotherapy Trauma Talks
Physiotherapy Trauma Talks
Author: Heleen van Aswegen
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© 2025 Physiotherapy Trauma Talks
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In Physiotherapy Trauma Talks we discuss the key roles that physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners play in the management and rehabilitation of patients with traumatic injury. Experts in trauma care offer their insights about in-hospital patient care and post-discharge follow up service delivery. New research in the field of trauma care and rehabilitation is shared to provide answers to your questions.
25 Episodes
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Send us a text Cheryl Haley, an experienced physiotherapist, shares her year-long recovery after a high-speed cycling crash, from complex pelvic fractures and rib injuries to an under-recognised concussion that reshaped her practice. Practical hospital strategies, mobility choices, concussion care, and the emotional load of lost goals come to the fore. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com/2431934/episodes Book: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Trauma: An Evidence-b...
Send us a text We walk through the physiotherapy approach to traumatic brain injury in ICU, from neuroprotection and ICP thresholds to respiratory care, tracheostomy weaning, and safe early mobility. A real case shows how curiosity, teamwork, and measured risk move recovery forward. If this helped sharpen your neurotrauma instincts, follow the show, share it with a colleague, and leave a review with the one strategy you’ll try this week. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzs...
Send us a text In today's episode on acute spinal cord injury, experienced trauma physiotherapists Andrea Christmas and Tatum Michael unpack what effective physiotherapy care looks like under pressure: how to protect a vulnerable spinal cord, keep the lungs open, and set realistic goals that carry patients from ventilation to rehabilitation. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com/2431934/episodes Book: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Trauma: An Evidence-based Approa...
Send us a text We mark World Trauma Day with a hard look at road injuries in South Africa and the daily habits that raise or reduce risk. Two final-year physiotherapy students, Jayde Symons and Mikha Ceronio, share what they see on campus and how simple choices by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians save lives. Watch our injury awareness video using this link: https://youtu.be/sicgq1iNZ54 Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com/2431934/episodes Book: Cardiopulmon...
Send us a text What happens when physiotherapists step beyond their traditional roles in trauma care? Melissa Webb, a senior physiotherapist with 30 years of experience at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, shares insights into advanced roles physiotherapists play in trauma care and how their early intervention approach transforms patient outcomes. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com/2431934/episodes Book: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy in Trauma: An Evidence-based ...
Send us a text The journey to recovery after pelvic trauma doesn't end when the bones heal. For many patients, the invisible consequences of their injuries—urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and sexual problems—can persist for months or even years, dramatically affecting their quality of life and ability to reintegrate into society. For physiotherapists wanting to expand their knowledge in this specialized field, Corlia Brandt recommends several resources, including her own project, Pel...
Send us a text Managing patients with polytrauma presents unique challenges for physiotherapists. Trauma physiotherapists Natascha Plani and Cikizwa Mafanya share their insights on managing patients with polytrauma, focusing on pelvic and acetabular injuries. They discuss evidence-based approaches for rehabilitation during prolonged bed rest and strategies to successfully achieve functional independence prior to hospital discharge. Subscribe to Physiotherapy Trauma Talks for more expert discu...
Send us a text In this final episode of our three-part trunk trauma series, we explore the management of patients with abdominal trauma and the challenges it poses to rehabilitation. Whether you're a new graduate or experienced practitioner, this episode equips you with the knowledge to confidently and effectively treat these complex cases. Subscribe to Physiotherapy Trauma Talks for more insights into specialized trauma care. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com B...
Send us a text What happens when a traumatic fall leads to multiple broken ribs? How do physiotherapists determine which patients need immediate attention and which can safely go home? These questions drive Professor Ceri Battle's groundbreaking work in blunt chest trauma management. The first 72 hours post-injury represent the danger zone, where targeted physiotherapy interventions can prevent life-threatening complications. Whether you're a physiotherapy student, experienced clinician, or h...
Send us a text Thoracic trauma affects over 60% of trauma cases worldwide, with penetrating injuries presenting unique challenges. The damage to the thorax ranges from localized tissue injury in stab wounds to extensive internal devastation from high-velocity bullets that create shock waves and cavity formation throughout the chest. By understanding the pathophysiology of penetrating chest trauma and implementing evidence-based interventions, physiotherapists transform outcomes for these crit...
Send us a text Eleonora Lozano, an experienced pediatric burn physiotherapist, shares her journey working with burned children at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Red Cross Children's Hospital, detailing the challenges and rewards of this specialized field. Link to paper discussed in this episode: https://sajp.co.za/index.php/sajp/article/view/429/618 More resources on management of burns: ISBI Practice Guidelines | International Society for Burns Injuries Podcast website: https...
Send us a text Whether you're a physiotherapy student, practicing clinician, or healthcare professional working with burn patients, this episode offers targeted, evidence-informed approaches to optimize outcomes. Refresh your knowledge about the role of positioning, manual hyperinflation, stretching, progressive mobilisation, and the 'physio pause' management strategy in patient management. Link to paper that was discussed in this episode: doi: 10.4102/sajp.v78i1.1543 Podcast website: https:/...
Send us a text What makes burns nursing unique? The world of burns care is explored with Katinka Rheeder, an experienced burns ICU nurse manager who has been working in trauma care since 1980. She shares her expertise in managing patients with burn injuries, highlighting how the multidisciplinary team approach ensures optimal outcomes for patients with complex injuries. For physiotherapists working with burns patients, this episode offers invaluable guidance on collaboration with nursing staf...
Send us a text In part 1 of this four part series on burns, Professor Timothy Hardcastle shares his expertise on the role of trauma surgeons in managing patients with burn injuries, exploring everything from emergency department care to long-term follow-up. The episode highlights the complex journey of burn recovery and the vital multidisciplinary approach needed for optimal patient outcomes. Podcast website: https://physiotherapytraumatalks.buzzsprout.com Book: Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy ...
Send us a text Physiotherapists often find treating pediatric trauma patients in intensive care challenging due to limited specialized training. Professor Brenda Morrow, an internationally renowned expert in pediatric physiotherapy, brings clarity to this complex subject, explaining why children are fundamentally different from adults in trauma care. Beyond the physiological aspects, Professor Morrow emphasizes the importance of child-centered care. Children are vulnerable, dependent on adult...
Send us a text Outcome measures aren't just numbers on a page—they're powerful communication tools that transform physiotherapy practice in trauma care. Associate-Professor Roos explains how outcome measures create a universal language between patients, clinicians, and healthcare funders. Ronel shares how these tools guide critical decision-making throughout the rehabilitation journey—from acute care to discharge planning. For busy trauma physiotherapists, she offers a treasure trove of quick...
Send us a text Dr. Kim Coutts pulls back the curtain on the often-overlooked role of speech therapy in trauma care, revealing how this vital discipline can transform patient outcomes in the ICU. She explains that speech therapists are essential team members who contribute to managing post-extubation dysphagia, supporting patients with tracheostomy, and addressing communication barriers in the ICU. With a decade of clinical experience and her current position as a senior lecturer at the Univer...
Send us a text In this episode we delve into the pivotal role occupational therapists play in trauma care and rehabilitation. Dr van Stormbroek sheds light on how OTs contribute to restoring not just physical function but also the overall quality of life for patients recovering from trauma. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she discusses key strategies for fostering patient participation in their recovery journey, emphasizing that rehabilitation should focus on helping individuals regain t...
Send us a text Discover how nutrition is the unsung hero in trauma recovery care in our latest episode! Join me in conversation with Chantal Mostert, a dedicated dietician from the trauma intensive care unit at Netcare Milpark Hospital. In this enlightening conversation, we explore the vital role that nutrition plays for patients recovering from traumatic injuries, unveiling how tailored eating plans can drastically enhance healing and improve outcomes. The synergy between dieticians and phy...
Send us a text This episode explores the crucial role of physiotherapists in trauma care. The conversation covers patient assessments, multidisciplinary teamwork, and the importance of mental health support for caregivers, while also providing valuable advice for emerging physiotherapists. Explore the essential elements of communication and advocacy in physiotherapy as Moira and Natascha shine light on the ways physiotherapists bridge gaps in patient care. Discover how they keep their teams m...




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