There is only one way to build confidence as a new grad physio.The whole 'fake it until you make it' thing does not work (I used to think it did by the way!)...And if you've tried it, you know what I mean.Patients see straight through it.Discover what you actually need to build your confidence...In your assessments, treatments and rehab plans...So you (and your patients) have full faith that you can get them pain-free and back enjoying the things they want to do the most!Enjoy the show!!!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the show I mentioned I have just opened up some more spaces to join my new grad physio community.You can find out more (and apply to join) right here.
All employers, in all sectors, have a duty to support you... And allocating time and resources for your CPD is part of that.But you also need to make the effort to support yourself.Now more so than ever...Given many employers are pushing back on the time and finance support given to CPD provision.And this is not just because you have to...Because you might get audited by the HCPC or other regulatory body...But because you need to!Find out why in this week's podcast episode (and also what CPD you should be doing as a new grad physio).Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerNew Grad Physio MentorPS. Need some help knowing what CPD you should do?Reach out!Send me an email (andy@newgradphysio.com) or DM me on Instagram and I'll get right back to you.
You've heard of the term 'scope of practice'...But what does it actually mean?Hear a story, based on an actual case, that left one physio in hot water...All because she (unknowingly) was working outside of her scope of practice!The consequences were bad...But could have been much much worse!Listen to hear this story, plus much more, to help you, and your patients, stay safe!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. If you have listened to this episode...But are still a little unsure about whether (or not) you are working within your own 'scope of practice' then feel free to reach out.Just send me an email (andy@newgradphysio.com) or reach out on any of my socials here..Instagram or LinkedIn.
If you are not telling your patient...Or at the very least...Trying to answer these 4 questions in the initial assessment...Then you are missing a trick!A big trick!Think back to that last patient that you saw for the first time...That gave you that 'look' to say...I'm not sure.I bet they either lacked the clarity about what their injury was...Or the confidence in you, their physio, and the rehab plan you outlined.Maybe both!If this happens, it is a one way ticket to a poor patient outcome.Learn how to avoid this in this week's podcast episode.Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. Here's an example of me answering these 4 vital patient questions earlier this week with an ACL patient in my private practice clinic.PPS. Want to build your confidence in answering these 4 vital patient questions then just send me a DM or an email, with the word ‘CONFIDENCE’ and I’ll show you exactly how you can install this process quickly into your own practice… And transform your confidence and results with even your most complex patients!You can get me here on Instagram or LinkedIn...Or email me personally at andy@newgradphysio.com
Non-specific diagnoses like 'non-specific low back pain' and hip or shoulder 'impingement' are commonly used in everyday practice...Seemingly more than ever before.But...Whilst the evidence might suggest these are plausible labels for injury...They can cause confusion and poor patient outcomes.Listen to my take on this topic and my general diagnosis rule of thumb on this week's podcast.Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio Mentor PS. In the pod I made reference to ways to get around not having a clear and definitive diagnosis...And the need to have a strong rehab planning game-plan! If you'd like to up-skill your own assessment, treatment and rehab game, then head here to find out more!
I've been called many things...But last week was the first time I have been called a 'boring' physio.Listen to this week's podcast to hear more about this story...And discover my key career advice for ANY new grad physio starting out!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe 'Boring' New Grad MentorPS. Want some help to get your own career off to a flying start?Then be sure to check this out.
In this week's podcast episode I discuss some of the drawbacks with the current University education system...And some possible changes that may help you as a new grad physio be better prepared post Uni.Give it a listen and let me know what you think.Enjoy the show!Andy Barker The New Grad Physio MentorPS. Need some help filling in the blanks...So you can thrive, and not just survive as a new grad physio?This might help!
We have 1000's of qualified, motivated and enthusiastic therapists that want to help and make a difference...Yet they can't get a job.We having waiting lists that are so long that some patients are 'beyond' rehab by the time they get an appointment. Make that make sense!Does the healthcare system need changing?Not many would argue against that right...But what are the real problems...And how might they affect you as a new grad physio trying to find your way in the real-world post graduation?Learn more in this week's podcast episode!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. Struggling to find your way and make career progress as a new grad physio...Then this might help.
I got asked this exact question the other night in a Q & A after a live webinar I presented...And the answer I gave wasn't the best!I only gave one real equipment example...But having had time to reflect and think about this a bit more, here are the 3 pieces of equipment that I can not live without.Numbers 2 & 3 will probably surprise you!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the show I mentioned my recent calf pain webinar.If you missed it, the replay is now available inside the private members group of my new grad physio community.Want to get access this webinar (and all the other great content inside the members area) then head here to find out how.
I was taught (and you were probably too) that the soleus is a postural muscle, right?Wrong!It does so much more than this!!!Listen to this week's podcast episode to find out what important roles it does do...And why this is important for injury (and you injury management).Enjoy the show!Andy Barker The New Grad Physio MentorPS. Want to learn more about the calf, the soleus, gastroc and all the other important calf muscles...So you know everything you need to know to assess, treat and rehab calf injuries, then do not miss this free webinar…‘Calf Injury Management - From The Bed Back To The Field’PPS. Missed the show?Head here to learn how to access my new grad physio programme and this special calf webinar replay!
Stop. Asking. For. A Job.It is almost the the worst thing you can do...As it almost always does not work.Listen to this week's podcast episode to learn what to do instead...To open doors to your next job (or placement)!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad PhysioPS. Want some more career help?Then check out this free training webinar...Revealed! How To Stand Out To Get Your Dream Placement or Job Even If You Have No Connections & Without Having To Wait To Get Years Of Experience.On this webinar you will discover…- The #1 Reason You Do Not Get A Reply To Your Emails Asking For A Placement Or A Job & How To Fix This- [Non-Physio’s] Why Going Back To Uni To Study An MSc Physio Degree Could Be A Total Waste Of Time & The Most Costly (££££) Mistake You Ever Make- Why You Need To Identify What Your Dream Job Is Early (And Go After It) Or Miss Any Chance That You Might Have On Ever Achieving This Role- What 99% of Students & New Grads Are Doing Wrong When It Comes To Writing Their CV & Cover Letters- The 6 Step Process You Need To Follow To Stand Out From The Crowd, Get Ahead Of Your Peers & Accelerate Your Career Faster Than You Ever Though PossibleThis is my most watched training webinar of all time!And you can watch it right now for free right here.
Beware of the 'simple' ankle sprain!This week's podcast episode might often your eyes as to what you might be missing when it comes to ankle injury rehab.Even minor ankle injuries can cause big issues in the future, if they are not managed correctly!Make sure you don't make the same mistake!!!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the episode I referred to some stats and facts around lateral ankles injuries.To read more check out these links...40% of people develop chronic ankle instability Repeated sprains and potential long-term and disabling conditions After an ankle sprain, reaction time is delayed.Evidence suggests that delaying rehab (>4 weeks) after the initial injury significantly increases risk of ankle instability later.A large study (195,000+ patients) found that among people with ankle sprain, a modest but significant proportion developed ankle OA over time.Structural changes to the ankle (inc joint/bony injury) are often evident on imaging, even after low-moderate grade lateral ankle sprains, suggesting tissue and joint changes happen earlier than might be assumed.PPS. Want to fast-track your ankle knowledge and skills to treat even the most trickiest of ankle injuries?Then head to newradphysio.com/membership to find out more about my programme and once inside I’ll signpost you to my special ankle injury module.
Miss my recent knee injury webinar?Don't worry!In this week's podcast I summarise all the key takeaways including...- Knee Anatomy (Why This Is Important To Knee Injury Diagnosis & Management)- Mechanisms of Injury Inc The Ones That You Might Not Expect- Special Testing- Knee Bracing Protocols - Early, Mid & Late Stage Knee Rehab Hope it helps!Andy BarkerThe New Grad PhysioPS. Want to access the replay for this knee injury masterclass webinar?Then head here to find out how.PPS. Got a questions?Feel free to email me directly (andy@newgradphysio.com) or DM me on my socials...InstagramFacebookLinkedIn
Pain and actual tissue injury are sometimes not all that well matched.Just because something is really painful does not mean a longer prognosis...Or an injury with little or no pain, does not always correlate to a minor injury.Pain is important... And it is something you need to manage with every patient you see.But why are some injuries much more painful than others, irrespective of actual tissue damage?Listen to this week's podcast to find out...Apple Podcasts SpotifyThe podcast is also available on all the usual platforms…Just search’ New Grad Physio Podcast.’Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. I'll be taking all about knee pain in next weeks's free webinar...MCL Knee Injury Masterclass.Monday 22nd September 2025.19:00-20:00 (BST).Register your free place right here.
This is a great mindset to have as a new grad physio...That will not only keep you (and your patient's) safe...But help you simplify your assessments, treatments and rehab planning...To get consistent positive patient results...Well beyond your level of experience!Patient care need not be complex.Learn more in this week's podcast episode!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. I'll be simplifying MCL injury management, including the assessment, treatment and rehab of these specific injuries, in my upcoming online MCL Knee Injury Masterclass.You can find out all the details and register your free place right here.PPS. Missed the show?The replay is available inside my new grad physio membership.Find out how to get access here.
Rehab for MCL (medial collateral ligament) knee injuries can (and should) start from Day 0!Yet most therapists don't do this...And it makes no sense why!Even in a brace, and even when the brace is locked, preventing any knee movement...There is so much you can do!Listen to this week's podcast episode to discover...My exact MCL (and LCL) bracing protocol (and why it is much shorter than most!)Early, Mid-Stage & End-Stage MCL Rehab Examples The Missing Link In MCL Rehab - Causing The Most Common End Stage Rehab IssuesEnjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the podcast I talked through some of the specific rehab exercises I use for MCL injuries.You can check the videos of these exercises out here.
In part 2 of this MCL mini-series we cover knee medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries and specifically...- MCL Special Testing (inc. The 2 MCL Tests You Need To Know)- Ordering & Executing The Right Knee Special Tests- MCL (And LCL) BracingEnjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. Keep your eyes peeled for part 3, where we will cover high grade MCL injury rehab...Including a case study, which will show you how to take a MCL injury from the bed, and back to full fitness, step by step!PPS. Want to get ahead of the game?I have a specific MCL injury webinar, which covers everything you need to know about MCL injury management...Including MCL injury assessment, treatment and rehab... Inside my New Grad Physio membership.Learn more about the programme and get access to this special training right here!Want to get access?Head to newgradphysio.com/membership
In this episode we cover knee medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries and specifically...- Anatomy of the MCL- Common Mechanisms of Injury and...- Medial Knee Differential DiagnosisEnjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. Keep your eyes peeled for part 2, where we will cover special testing and grading of injury, treatment and rehab for all grades of MCL injury!
Yes there is a lack of jobs.Supply far outweighs demand.But that is just how it is.It has been like this before, it's like that right now...And it is likely that the therapy industry will continue to be ultra competitive.But what can you do about it?More than what you probably think!Listen to this week's podcast episode to discover what you can do...Strategies to open doors and get your career as a new grad physio, sports therapist or sports rehabber off to a strong start!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the show I mentioned my 'Foot In The Door' programme.This special career programme is now open to new applications.Find out more right here!
Sick of making no career progress...Applying for jobs...But getting no interviews...And unsure what you are doing wrong?Then this week's podcast episode is for you!Enjoy the show!Andy BarkerThe New Grad Physio MentorPS. In the podcast I mention my 'Foot In The Door' career course.Find out more about this special course right here!