Unite Health Presenter Of The Month
We are excited to announce our Unite Health Presenter Of The Month for October is the talented Fiona Samuel. Fiona is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with an interest in sports injury rehabilitation, pre and post natal physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates. Fiona joined the Unite Health/ APPI team in 2012. We caught up with Fiona to find out more about her love for Physiotherapy, Pilates and the APPI method.
What is your favourite APPI Pilates course to deliver and why?
Matwork Level 3 - it is so rewarding to see participants personal development, not only in being able to challenge themselves with higher level exercises, but in their development as teachers.
What is your favourite area of Physiotherapy and why?
From an educational point of view I love working with people with back and neck pain in addressing their posture - small changes and cognitive awareness of posture can have a significant and immediate impact on an individual's pain or symptoms. I find it very rewarding working with athletes who are willing to be challenged and are proactive in their management. When a client has a collaborative approach to their management, understands their imbalances or contributing factors to an injury and is dedicated to gradually build on their rehabilitation it is a pleasure to work with them through this journey.
What is the one thing you always recommend to clients, but forget to do yourself?
Calf raises! Unfortunately I've had some pretty bad ankle injuries from netball in the past and those that have seen me teach the foot series in standing (Matwork Level 2) will know that I definitely haven't been as diligent with my calf strengthening and ankle proprioception exercises as I should have been.
What is your favourite Pilates exercise and why?
Swimming Level 4 - I love getting clients into 4 point kneeling as this position challenges so many muscle slings at the same time and is a fantastic exercise for multiple injury presentations, whether it be an office worker with neck pain, rehab following shoulder surgery, glute strengthening for runners or deep abdominal strengthening for pregnant women.
What are you inspired by (person, place or idea)?
Person: I am lucky enough to have worked with and learnt from some amazing physios over the years - individuals who are knowledgeable, experienced and excited by the future of the profession. I hope to continue to surround myself with such people for many years to come.
Place: The ocean - always has a calming effect on me and helps me put things into perspective.
Idea: Make plans and set goals for the future but never forget to live in and appreciate the present moment.
Do you have a personal motto?
In 2016 it has been "Be kind to yourself" - we can be our own harshest critics and often unnecessarily unfair on ourselves.
Fiona is presenting the following upcoming courses:
MELBOURNE
Practice your Pilates teaching skills and or prepare in small groups with your fellow Pilates trainees under the supervision of an APPI Pilates course educator over this 2 hour mentoring session.
PERTH