Physiotherapist lead Lifestyle Medicine Clinic – Lifestyle Medicine in Practice

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I am a physiotherapist with 20 years’ experience in an outpatient, MSK setting, and I work in private practice 2 days and teach 3 pilates/yoga classes per week.

In addition to many Orthopaedic manual therapy courses over the years, more recently I have completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Clinical Exercise Prescription, the BSLM Core Accreditation, as well as a Health Coaching Diploma.

Putting together all of these skills, I approached a local GP clinic, and together we have set up a Lifestyle Medicine Clinic. The GPs refer patients to me who are looking to make lifestyle changes, or who may benefit from longer appointment times to fully discuss what is going on for them.

I work in the clinic for a half day every week, offering 60 minute appointments (and 30 minute follow ups). I cover the 6 pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, and the conversation typically follows a coaching style approach, with some education and sign posting to local services when appropriate.

If the patient requires more specific education around exercise, I will occasionally see them in my physiotherapy practice and prescribe exercise programmes too.

I feel that physiotherapists are very well placed health professionals to deliver the lifestyle medicine message, and it is possible to develop wonderful working relationships with GPs in this area.

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LM Pillars Covered:	Healthy Eating Mental Wellbeing Healthy Relationships Minimising Harmful Substances Physical Activity Sleep
Funded?	No
Initiative Sector:	Private
Approving Body:	Self, Business Manager

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