RX Physiotherapy Shellharbour

For decades, we’ve believed the ACL cannot heal. But modern research is changing the narrative. 

In this episode, Trent Cooksley from RX Physiotherapy explores the healing potential of ACL injuries, why some knees recover without surgery, and how rehab-first approaches can guide smarter decisions. 

Learn why MRI appearance doesn’t tell the whole story, and how function, not perfection, determines long-term outcomes. 

If you or someone you know is navigating an ACL injury, this episode will help you make evidence-informed choices. 

🎧 Tune in to learn how better testing and smarter rehab strat...

Return-to-sport testing is often treated as the final checkpoint after an ACL injury. Pass the tests, get cleared, and return to competition. But is it really that simple?

In this episode of the RX Physiotherapy Podcast, Trent Cooksley breaks down what return-to-sport (RTS) testing actually tells us — and more importantly, what it doesn’t.

You’ll learn why many athletes still experience high re-injury rates after being cleared, and why passing a battery of tests doesn’t necessarily mean the knee is ready for the demands of sport.

We explore...

In this episode with Trent Cooksley, discover why not all ACL-deficient knees behave the same, and how modern evidence supports structured non-surgical rehabilitation as a valid, and sometimes optimal, pathway. 

Trent explains the principles of effective ACL rehab, from heavy quadriceps strengthening and posterior chain development to neuromuscular control, progressive running, and change-of-direction drills.

This episode emphasises that non-surgical ACL rehab is not about minimal effort or toughness; it’s about building a knee capable of supporting the life and activities you want to enjoy.

Tune in to understand when surgery may be nec...

In this episode of the RX Physiotherapy Podcast, Trent Cooksley dives into the biomechanics behind ACL injuries and re-injuries.

Drawing from landmark video analysis research and current return-to-sport evidence, we unpack:

ACL injuries are rare...

An ACL injury is one of the few injuries where people are asked to make a permanent decision within days — swollen knee, unclear scans, season pressure… and somehow you’re expected to already know if you want surgery. 

In this episode of the RX Physiotherapy Podcast, Trent Cooksley unpack what surgery actually does, and what it doesn’t. 

Because here’s the truth:
Surgery restores anatomy.
Rehab restores capacity. 

We explore the research behind immediate vs delayed reconstruction, why rehab quality matters more than surgical timing, and how strength, confidence, a...

An ACL injury can feel overwhelming. In the first few days, opinions come fast — you’ll need surgery, your season is over, your knee will never be the same. But the evidence tells a very different story.

In this first episode of our ACL series, physiotherapist Trent Cooksley breaks down what actually happens during an ACL injury and why rushing decisions early can lead to poorer outcomes. We explore the true role of the ACL, how these injuries occur, and why the ligament alone does not determine your future function.

Drawing on landmark rese...

If you have hypermobility and live with ongoing neck pain, it’s easy to feel confused, frustrated, or even afraid to move.

In this episode, April and Laura unpack why neck pain is so common in people with hypermobility and why it doesn’t mean you’re fragile, broken, or destined for pain.

They discuss how ligament laxity, reduced proprioception, muscle fatigue, posture, and nervous system sensitivity all contribute to neck symptoms, and why common advice like excessive stretching or neck cracking can sometimes make things worse.

This conversation focuses on what a...

In this episode of the RX Physiotherapy Podcast, April Patterson sits down with physiotherapist and former competitive golfer Trent Cooksley to explore how physiotherapy can transform the way you play golf.

From common golf injuries like back pain, golfer’s elbow, and shoulder strain to the science behind mobility, strength, and flexibility, Trent shares his expertise on how golfers can reduce pain, prevent injuries, and unlock their full potential on the course.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Join April Patterson and Emily Yorkston on the RX Physiotherapy Podcast as they dive deep into women’s health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. 

In this episode, Emily, a women’s health physiotherapist, shares expert advice on managing pregnancy-related pelvic pain, diastasis recti, and core health.

Discover practical tips for exercising safely during and after pregnancy, reducing discomfort from round ligament pain, lower back pain, and pelvic girdle pain, and returning to your pre-pregnancy fitness routine. 

Emily also explains what’s normal versus what’s not, including bladder leakage, posture changes, and core muscle separation...

Jaw pain can feel overwhelming — especially when it affects your ability to speak, eat, or focus. In this episode, April Patterson breaks down what TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction really is, why it happens, and most importantly — what actually helps.

From muscle tension and poor posture to stress, hypermobility and compensatory movement patterns, we explore the many reasons why jaw pain can arise — and why treating it isn't just about the jaw.

Learn how conservative care (no surgery, no injections) can lead to real results through manual therapy, exercise, posture support, and patient-centred education. April shares practi...

If you’ve ever felt like your EDS or hypermobility symptoms are “all over the place” — from joint pain to digestive issues to fatigue — this episode is for you.

April Patterson dives into the SPIDER outcome measure, a powerful tool that captures the full-body impact of connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). Unlike traditional assessments that focus only on joint flexibility, the SPIDER evaluates eight key systems including neuromuscular, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and psychological domains.

Learn how this questionnaire helps identify symptom patterns, puts lived experience at the centre of care, and...

In this episode, we dive into the most common running injuries and the smarter strategies to overcome them. Whether you're training for your next race or just getting into running, understanding how to manage your load, strengthen your body, and avoid the common pitfalls can make all the difference. 

We explore everything from return-to-run progressions and biomechanical faults to the role of footwear, strength training, and the mental side of injury recovery. You'll also hear about real-world cases, practical advice on running technique, and how physiotherapists help both injured and uninjured runners stay at their best. 

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In this episode, we take a closer look at what causes knee pain and how physiotherapy can help ease that discomfort. Whether you’re facing a sudden injury or dealing with ongoing issues, it’s important to understand what’s really behind your knee pain to start the recovery process. 

We’ll share insights as physiotherapists along with practical tips for managing your pain and exercises to help improve your mobility. If you’re eager to regain your strength and enhance your quality of life, this episode is one you won't want to miss. 

Join us to learn...

Today, join us as we dive into TMJ pain and neck connections. Discover the intricacies of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, how it connects with neck issues and practical insights into managing jaw pain effectively.

We explore TMJ anatomy, the impact of clenching, and crucial connections between jaw health and neck stability. Learn how posture influences TMJ function and gain insights into managing TMJ issues related to hypermobility.

So, whether you're navigating everyday jaw discomfort or seeking deeper understanding, join us on this journey into TMJ health.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy as we...

Today, we’re diving into lower back pain—a condition that nearly every physio sees on a daily basis. I remember no one at uni prepared us for just how many people would come in with back pain; it's almost a joke among physios. It can make up a huge part of our week.

In this episode, we’re kicking off a series on back pain, starting with common issues like lower back spasms and overloads. We’ll chat about what signs and symptoms to look out for, and share our top physio tips and tricks to relieve...

 In this episode, April Patterson and Brendan Casey dive deep into the common comorbidities of Hypermobility EDS.

They discuss the various health challenges associated with hypermobility. From gastrointestinal issues to autonomic dysfunction and fibromyalgia, they shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of this condition.

Learn about the importance of individualized treatment approaches and advocacy for proper diagnosis. April shares personal insights into her journey with hypermobility, emphasizing the significance of listening to your body and avoiding the "more is better" mentality.

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge about managing hypermobility and advocating for y...

Join us as we dive into essential nutrition strategies for managing hypermobility and enhancing gut health with Gunny Wiken, a Dietitian (APD), Sports Nutritionist, and Weightlifting Coach, alongside me, April, your Doctor of Physiotherapy.

In this episode, Gunny and I will share our expert insights on the best foods to support your digestive system, reduce inflammation, and boost overall well-being.

Whether you're dealing with IBS, GERD, or other gastrointestinal issues, these tips are tailored to help you manage your symptoms effectively.

Connect with Gunny Wiken:

Website: www.thpd.au<...

In this episode, we dive deep into effective strategies for managing pain in hypermobility. Whether you're dealing with joint pain, muscle discomfort, or stress-related symptoms, this episode offers practical advice and expert tips to help you find relief.

We start with a quick recap of what hypermobility is and the common challenges faced by those who have it. Then, Brendan and April share their favourite pain management techniques, discussing both tried-and-true methods and innovative approaches. We also cover essential exercise concepts, including when to push forward with your routine and when it's crucial to take a break.<...

Welcome to the very first episode of the Rx Physiotherapy Podcast, where Brendan and April take you on a journey through all things health and wellness. In this kickoff episode, join them as they dive into a discussion about hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). They break down these topics in easy-to-understand terms, covering symptoms, diagnosis, and helpful tips for managing these conditions.

Tune in and start your wellness journey with Rx Physio Podcast today!

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:58 - April's background in Physiotherapy
05:06 - Signs and symptoms of hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
06:41...

Welcome to the Rx Physiotherapy Podcast – your ultimate destination for expert insights on physio, rehab, health, and wellness.

Join hosts Dr. April Patterson and Brendan Casey, seasoned physiotherapists as they dive deep into captivating topics each week, covering everything from physiotherapy essentials to nutritional secrets.

Note: The music used in this podcast is Smack That by Matrika, available under a royalty-free license. You can find the original work https://uppbeat.io/.
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