UC 416: Dr Kieran Richardson on non-surgical and holistic approaches to injury

Update: 2025-06-19

Description

In this episode, Cyndi and Kim speak with Dr. Kieran Richardson, an expert physiotherapist and advocate for non-surgical, holistic treatment of injuries and pain. Dr. Richardson shares his journey into physiotherapy and how his approach has evolved to embrace the biopsychosocial model—considering physical, psychological, and social factors in recovery.

The conversation explores non-surgical approaches to ACL injuries, chronic pain management, cognitive functional therapy, and the importance of reframing patient conditions to offer hope and clarity. Dr. Richardson highlights the shift in physiotherapy from traditional methods to more evidence-based, patient-centered care, and discusses the role of nutrition, mindset, and clear communication in long-term healing.

They also discuss the challenges of chronic pain, the importance of proper diagnosis for athletes and dancers, and the growing recognition of alternatives to surgery. Dr. Richardson encourages both patients and professionals to rethink the conventional medical approach and embrace a more holistic, empowering model of care.

About Dr Kieran

Dr. Kieran is a Specialist Physiotherapist and the Director of Global Specialist Physiotherapy, a consultancy company providing Professional Development, Formal Mentoring and Non-surgical opinions for patients.

Kieran and his team of academics, expert clinicians and researchers consult to multiple clinics, health care professionals and patients in Perth, Western Australia, and well as nationally and internationally via online platforms.

Quotes

I have always had an interest in health growing up in NZ as a youngster.

Musculoskeletal studies are traditionally mechanistic.

It is not so much about the whole person.

Healthcare knowledge will double every 10-20 years.

It is bio-psycho-social.

I am not anti-medical or anti-surgical.

I am concerned that medicine is not patient-centred and has massive financial incentives.

I aim to give my non-surgical opinion.

Any good therapist likes to grade a client.

Keep calm and treat your meniscus without surgery!

Reframe the thinking.

It seems there is a pill for every ill.

There are straight-forward, science-based, non-invasive therapies you can try.

You may just need a different look at it.

Pain is often protective. Pain can be helpful.

I love giving hope, people need hope and they need practical solutions