Global Specialist Physiotherapy

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Global Specialist Physiotherapy

Non-surgical solutions to pain and injury

05/02/2026

If you’ve just torn your ACL, you need to be properly informed of your next steps to take.

There are some cases that fair just fine without surgery!

With the correct bracing and rehabilitative protocols, healing rates can range from 50-90% depending on the tear type — reaching levels of function that can surpass that of an ACL reconstruction!

On the other side of the coin, certain tear types will need reconstructive surgery for maximizing functional outcomes.

Every case is unique.

A consultation with a Global Specialist Physiotherapy clinician is the best way to ensure you are taking the correct route for your specific case.

A quick evaluation of your situation and your MRI will be conducted to determine your chances of healing with the conservative route.

Wouldn’t you like to avoid going under the knife if you could?

Comment “ACL” and we will reach out to help!

Here’s to a greater pursuit of TRUTH! 🙏 🧪

03/02/2026

Global Specialist Physiotherapy is very excited to announce that Zachary Southern will be consulting with us!!

Zac is a passionate educator and mentor within the Physiotherapy community, known for his engaging approach to teaching at both graduate and postgraduate levels. Having lectured extensively and contributed to multiple research publications, Zac takes pride in empowering the next generation of Physiotherapists by blending cutting-edge science with real-world expertise.

His foundation in the profession is forged from a diverse career spanning elite sports—including roles with the Dolphins NRL, Aspley Hornets in the VFL/QAFL, premier teams in cricket, netball, snow sports, and American football—as well as the high-performance world of Cirque du Soleil in South America. Zac’s background as a junior athlete, combining studies with competition, has shaped a practical and empathetic teaching style that resonates with students and colleagues alike.

A lifelong learner, Zac holds a Master of Physiotherapy (Sport) from The University of Queensland and a Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management) from The University of Sydney. He continues to advance his expertise through further studies in radiology, strength and conditioning, and ongoing research. His commitment to excellence is underscored by his pursuit of specialisation through the Australian College of Physiotherapy Specialisation Training Program—a distinction held by only a select few in Australia.

Zac’s teaching philosophy centres on collaboration and critical thinking, encouraging students and clients to take an active role in their learning and rehabilitation journeys. Whether in the classroom, at sporting clubs, or in the clinic, he thrives on solving complex challenges and supports others in reaching their greatest potential.

Zac can give online Professional Development on the following topics:

✅️ Return-to-Play Decision Making
✅️ Periodisation and Load Management
✅️ Use of technology and data-driven strategies for assessment, rehab tracking, and patient engagement
✅️ Practical Application of Pain Science
✅️ Radiology and Imaging Interpretation for Physiotherapists
✅️ Strength and Conditioning Principles
✅️ Patient-Centred Communication and Shared Decision-Making
✅️ Teaching and Mentoring in Physiotherapy
✅️ Sports Medicine in Unique and Challenging Contexts

Meet the rest of the Global team here:

https://globalspecialistphysio.com/meet-us-1

For more information about our services, or to book a free initial consultation for mentoring or professional development, go to:

globalspecialistphysio.com

For an ACL consultation with Zac, go to:

globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

30/01/2026

ACL injuries are common skiing but surgery doesn’t have to be!

In fact studies like the one from Filbay 2022 show ACL healing over time WITHOUT surgery.

ACL healing is a viable option and with a proper bracing protocol and early intervention there’s a higher likelihood of a good outcome!

What to do:

✅ Calm the knee down down (swelling + range)
✅ Discuss options with your rehab professional
✅Brace early!

Share this with a skier/rider who needs to hear this! 🔁

Do you want more posts on the non-op ACL pathway? COMMENT NON-OP below,
direct message or go to the Global ACL website:

globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

28/01/2026

An absolute honour to be interviewed on the launch episode of 'Off-Script Physio' with Karen ‘Kaz’ Finnin and Ben ‘Bowie’ Bowtell, speaking about "Going Against the Grain."🎙📢

"In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kieran Richardson shares his journey in physiotherapy, emphasising the importance of mentorship, navigating imposter syndrome, and creating safe spaces for growth.

The discussion highlights the need for physiotherapists to believe in their essential role within the healthcare system, while also addressing self-criticism and the challenges of conflict resolution in the profession.

Kieran's insights into balancing professional and personal life, along with his experiences in advocating for non-operative ACL treatment, provide valuable perspectives for both new and seasoned physiotherapists."

Spotify link:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3dZQBHCiRrb9qDuYhpnziA?si=xcqD0a0hSves-z5B0Rt6GQ

YouTube link:

https://youtu.be/hsBIFv27BQE

Feel free to share your thoughts on the podcast below!
👇👇

27/01/2026

Another clip from the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with Dr. Matt Winter from Intergrative Physiotherapy from Singapore: "What does 'equipoise' mean in healthcare?""

It means genuine uncertainty.

Not confusion. Not indecision. But an honest recognition that more than one option may be reasonable, and we don’t yet know which is best.

In real life, that looks like:

✅️ Rehab or injection
✅️ Surgery or exercise
✅️ Scan now or watch and wait

When equipoise exists, the right approach isn’t dogma — it’s shared decision-making, guided by evidence, values, and context.

Good healthcare isn’t about pretending we always know the answer. It’s about being transparent when we don’t — and choosing wisely together.

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/f7znVp0-6qw?si=rUFWC38KLEl6QDKt

Or listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/13ir2aE3SoJCWqnSK3J6kQ?si=eDpVg8djRlaeVd-7c5PqdQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6z0DOx3K3OF6zf3r3vtsgD

Feel free to ask any general questions or comment below!
👇
If you're dealing with an ACL or meniscus injury, and want a review of your MRI, Global now offers consultations to determine whether you are a candidate for non-surgical management 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️💡

For more information, comment MRI below, direct message us or go to the Global Specialist Physiotherapy ACL website:
👇👇
globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

25/01/2026

** Re-post James Schomburgk aka the2ndvisitphysio: Is the Manual Therapy Pendulum Finally Swinging Back to Balance? **

In a meeting with a senior lecturer last week, we discussed the feeling that the push against manual therapy finally seems to be swinging back to a more balanced view, instead of the hands-on, hands-off dichotomy that lead to Kieran Richardson and I deciding back in 2021 to create the Manual to Great Therapy when it truly felt it was needed.

Am I right to be optimistic hearing this as well from a senior lecturer that balance is being restored?

A few important points I feel that support my optimism:

1. The “false dichotomy” is wearing thin

The hands-on vs hands-off debate was never scientifically accurate — it was a reactionary oversimplification. Manual therapy was framed as either outdated or essential, with little room for nuance.

That kind of binary thinking tends not to survive long in mature professions. Clinicians and I hope educators are increasingly acknowledging that: Manual therapy is neither magic nor meaningless - It is one tool among many.

It's value lies in how and why it’s used, not whether it’s used at all. That is a far more defensible, evidence-aligned position.

2. The profession is correcting an overcorrection

The strong push against manual therapy served a purpose — it challenged poor explanations. But it also:

• Stripped confidence from young clinicians
• Created anxiety around touch

What we are now seeing is a recognition that we can teach manual therapy without outdated narratives, and integrate it with movement, education, and self-efficacy.

3. Why our optimism should be measured, not naïve

This isn’t a full return to “manual therapy as the answer” and it never was. The opportunity is for us to:

• Model how to use manual therapy thoughtfully
• Teach explanation and expectation management
• Show how hands-on care can support, not replace, active care

That’s where our 'Manual to Great Therapy' workshop remains vital for young clinicians.

We are coming to run the course in:

✅️ Feb 21-22 Perth
✅️ May 9-10 Manila
✅️ May 16-17 Melbourne
✅️ June 13-14 Brisbane
✅️ June 27-28 Dubai
✅️ August 8-9 Adelaide
✅️ October 17-18 Sydney

And to be confirmed in India and UAE!!

To register or for more information go to:

globalspecialistphysio.com/manualtherapy

19/01/2026

"Ordering or getting an MRI is not harmless!"

Another clip from the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with Dr. Matt Winter from Intergrative Physiotherapy from Singapore 🎙

"The scan itself does no harm but the consequences are now so well documented.

We have known in lumbar spines, getting an MRI can just itself lead to worse pain outcomes.

In the knee multiple trials are now showing just getting an MRI, regardless of the results, increases your chance of having surgery.

Then we look at it in the context of the Horga et al study:

Key findings of the Horga study:

✅️ Researchers scanned 230 knees from 115 uninjured, asymptomatic adults using high-resolution 3.0 T MRI.
✅️ 97 % of knees showed some abnormality on MRI, even though the participants had no knee symptoms!
✅️ 30 % of knees had meniscal tears, including:
• Horizontal tears
• Complex tears
• Vertical tears
• Radial tears
• Bucket handle tears (~1 %) These bucket handle and complex meniscal tears were reported for the first time in asymptomatic knees. • There were also a lot of other structural findings, like cartilage lesions and bone marrow changes, again without symptoms.

Considering these findings - the decision for MRI is not a simple one…..

Watch the full episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/f7znVp0-6qw?si=rUFWC38KLEl6QDKt

Or listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/13ir2aE3SoJCWqnSK3J6kQ?si=eDpVg8djRlaeVd-7c5PqdQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6z0DOx3K3OF6zf3r3vtsgD

Feel free to ask any general questions or comment below!
👇
If you're dealing with an ACL or meniscus injury, and want a review of your MRI, Global now offers consultations to determine whether you are a candidate for non-surgical management 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️💡

For more information, comment MRI below, direct message or go to the Global ACL website:
👇👇
globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

15/01/2026

Another clip from the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with Dr. Matt Winter from Intergrative Physiotherapy from Singapore!

"ACL tear ≠ automatic surgery.

The KANON study (NEJM, 2010) compared early ACL reconstruction with structured rehab first (with surgery only if needed).

• At 2–5 years, outcomes were the same for pain, function, sport, and quality of life.
• Around 50% never needed surgery.
• Delayed surgery (when required) did just as well as early surgery.
• No extra meniscus damage with a rehab-first approach.
• Surgery doesn’t prevent arthritis.

Bottom line: Start with high-quality rehab.
Save this for patients, athletes, and anyone told surgery is the only option."

Watch the episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/f7znVp0-6qw?si=rUFWC38KLEl6QDKt

Or listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/13ir2aE3SoJCWqnSK3J6kQ?si=eDpVg8djRlaeVd-7c5PqdQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6z0DOx3K3OF6zf3r3vtsgD

Feel free to ask any general questions or comment below!
👇
If you're dealing with an ACL injury, let's chat non-op options before rushing to surgery! Comment ACL below, direct message or go to the Global ACL website:
👇👇
globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

13/01/2026

Excited to be on the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with Dr. Matt Winter from Excited to be on the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with Dr. Matt Winter from Intergrative Physiotherapy in Singapore!

"ACL and meniscus injuries are often treated as automatic surgical problems — but is that always necessary?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Kieran Richardson to unpack what the evidence actually tells us about ACL tears, meniscus injuries, bracing, and non-surgical management.

We challenge the traditional surgery-first mindset and explore why many long-held assumptions about knee injuries no longer hold up.

We discuss why not all ACL injuries require surgery, when bracing (there’s many different types) can be helpful (and when it isn’t), how some meniscus tears — including bucket-handle tears — can be asymptomatic, and why the meniscus has a blood supply that many people still believe it doesn’t.

We also explore why MRI findings don’t always match symptoms, and how modern rehab and shared decision-making have changed the way knee injuries are managed.

This episode is relevant for athletes, active individuals, clinicians, coaches, and anyone trying to make an informed decision about knee injury treatment.
The aim is simple: better decisions through better understanding."

Watch the episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/f7znVp0-6qw?si=rUFWC38KLEl6QDKt

Or listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/13ir2aE3SoJCWqnSK3J6kQ?si=eDpVg8djRlaeVd-7c5PqdQ&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A6z0DOx3K3OF6zf3r3vtsgD

Feel free to ask any general questions or comment below!
👇👇

12/01/2026

Going too big on a jump is one of the most common ways ACL injuries happen 🤕

Here’s what we see over and over:

✅ The athlete sends it
✅ They land a little “back seat” (weight shifts backwards)
✅ The knee struggles to overcome the forward pressure from the landing
➡️ The ACL gets stressed hard 😬

The good news: ACL injury prevention programs work!

Research-backed warm-ups (like FIFA 11+ style frameworks) have been shown to reduce ACL injury rates when done consistently — and the principles translate really well to ski/snowboard legs:

• Landing mechanics
• Single-leg strength
• Deceleration control
• Reactive stability

If you ride with someone who’s always “just one more hit”… share this with them so they keep their season (and their ligament) intact.

If you want ACL injury prevention exercises, non-surgical opinion on your ACL tear or are struggling with your recovery post-surgery, omment ACL below, direct message or go to the Global Specialist Physiotherapy ACL website:

globalspecialistphysio.com/acl-online-consults

06/01/2026

Want to level-up you and your team's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in 2026?

Global Specialist Physiotherapy has a large list of musculoskeletal pain and injury topics we can deliver live via Zoom, with theory and practical components and opportunity for you to interact and ask questions!

Here is our list of topics we can run live Via Zoom, wherever you are in Australia or around the world:

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/588809fb1b631bab19fb9ae1/t/692d406e4ae71e766e185cfe/1764573294092/Professional+Development+Topics+2025+2026.pdf

For more information, or to book a free initial consultation with us, comment "PD" below, direct message or go to our training website:
👇
https://globalspecialistphysio.com/training

Address

50 Street Georges Terrace Suite #1035
Perth, WA
6000

Website

http://www.globalspecialistphysio.com/

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Our Story

Having worked in a hospital setting as a new graduate, Kieran encountered a system with many patients in severe pain, some who had sustained orthopaedic trauma and others who opted for elective procedures. He worked methodically to rehabilitate these patients back to their normal lives.

Later, working in private practice as a first-contact practitioner, Kieran further identified effective strategies and patterns of management that had not been widely explored or made known within the profession. Using them to treat patients' pain, he saw substantial improvements in their conditions.

This started a quest to find high-quality scientific evidence that validated the techniques and systems that he has used clinically to reduce patients pain, so they could avoid unnecessary imaging, medication, injection therapies and elective surgery.