A lot of people have asked me, 'Why did Brenton and yourself start Enhance?'
It's a question that has many answers, but the main one comes from our own experience.
Both of us were keen footballers throughout University days, and spent a lot of time at our respective football clubs training and playing.
Throughout these times, we would frequently get questions like 'You're a physio student aren't you... can you have a look at my ankle?' or 'Dave, my shoulder is killing me after that bump on the weekend, what do you think it is?'
All of these questions led to some awkward 'assessment' (if you could call it that) based largely off a combination of previous visits to physios us ourselves had experienced, maybe a random YouTube clip and, very minimal wet lab anatomy knowledge... it was kinda awkward.
Eventually, I had to fess up and say 'I have no idea mate' or 'we haven't learnt that yet!' Which often led to further confused looks considering this was still happening by 3rd and sometimes 4th year!
The truth is, we often don't learn a lot of the clinical skills used in the sporting context in our undergraduate degree, there's too much to cover in the area or musc, neuro and cardio (give Cardio a break, it is an important skill... yes even in private practice!), there's just not enough time!!!
Another common problem regularly arising was that of the 'sports trainer'.
Almost every physio does some sports coverage throughout their degree, unless you are still on the field (like me.. bit me in the you know where when I started working). This is a great place to learn valuable skills you can take into your practice, and not just in private practice/the sporting context.
You learn valuable, team work, communication, first aid, manual handling and maybe the occasional treatment technique ('just lower back, glutes, hamstrings and calves thanks... change the record!).
Whilst it has the potential to be a great clinical learning environment, you often lack the foundations to thrive in this context, because you haven't learnt the skills to feel confident and work effectively.
The level 1 trainers course is a great starting point, however if you are working in any of the football codes, there are so many things that need to be known that just aren't in there.
Again... there aren't enough time, they have to teach you how to be SAFE and not further HARM anyone! (Kind of important!)
So many classmates often left the weekend sideline feeling less confident and more confused about what sports physio/osteo or chiro work was about. Unfortunately, some even being identified as the trainer who 'can't do ankles' or 'can't treat properly' (Those amateur footballers could work on their own skills too hey?)
Brenton and I thought this gap in understanding and knowledge could be filled. We aim to use Enhance as a vehicle to create change. We want trainers heading to their weekend commitments excited to apply and refine their skills, and feel confident about their ability and their contribution to a team's chance of success... while keeping them safe and on the park!
Through high level, affordable and engaging educational content, we are striving to lift the standard of health care in community sport, and enrich the experience of providing it!
We love teaching and we love what we do, so we want to share that with all of those with a common passion!
This blog will aim to be a shared learning environment with as many writers who desire to contribute, from as many different areas as possible.
If you are someone working in or playing sport who has something to say, or a health care new grad or student with an experience to share. Contact us on our website, and get involved!!
The more the merrier!