Recently we welcomed Anthony Dang from La Trobe University for his placement.

Insights into a Physiotherapy Student Placement

What is is like to be a Physiotherapy Student on placement?

During my clinical placement at Symmetry Physiotherapy Sports Medicine Centre, I was fortunate to work alongside Sara Clapham. I assisted in the treatment of a diverse range of patients suffering from a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Through Sara’s tutelage, I gained invaluable knowledge in treating conditions of all kinds, including; cervical and lumbar spine injuries, radiculopathies, tendinopathies, post-operative physical deficits, work-related injuries, post-partum care, chronic pain and ligament and muscle injuries gained from the sports field.

Having dealt with a long-standing lumbar spine injury myself, I could understand and relate to patients who experience pain that is highly debilitating and severely limits their function. Doing so, I developed a keen interest in the treatment of both acute and chronic lower back pain. Sara gave me exceptional insight on the huge roles that core strength, posture, movement biomechanics and muscle imbalances play in determining one’s predisposition to gaining a lumbar spine injury. With this knowledge, I developed treatment plans that aimed to decrease muscular imbalances, increase the strength and activation of weakened muscles and optimise biomechanics of daily movements to enhance function and rehabilitate the lumbar spine.

Walking into the clinic every morning, I realised that although patients can present with seemingly similar injuries, no two patients are identical. All patients that come into Symmetry have unique personalities, life stories and come from all stages of life. I could view every patient in a unique light and create a management plan tailored to their individual circumstances. This allowed patients to attain goals that were both sustainable, and highly effective in minimising their pain and allowing them to function at their best.

Every day, I stepped out of my comfort zone and practiced the essential physiotherapy skills of problem solving, clinical reasoning and building rapport with patients. Seeing people be able to return to their workplace, perform daily tasks pain-free and go back to taking part in sports they love is inspiring, and rewarding. Knowing that physiotherapists can make a substantial difference in people’s lives by guiding their journey to their recovery.

Anthony Dang

Physiotherapy Student, La Trobe University