Global Specialist Physiotherapy

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Global Specialist Physiotherapy

Non-surgical solutions to pain and injury

17/02/2026

🩼Have you just torn your ACL and been told that surgery is your only option? 🛑

Let’s make sure you have all of the information first before you jump straight under the knife 🔪 💪🏼Because FYI … the ACL can heal if given the right circumstances and opportunity!! 💡

This post shows the before and after MRI images of a client of mine who tore his ACL skiing. Luckily we caught it early, he started our weight bearing bracing and rehab protocol immediately, and had successful healing of his ACL!! ⛷️

After one year, this client has now fully returned back to high level skiing and ski coaching 🫡

⚠️ 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

15/02/2026

STOP RUSHING TO GET YOUR KNEE DRILLED FOR ACL TEARS! 🪛🦵

There isn’t a SINGLE STUDY that has *EVER* proven the ACL CANNOT heal WITHOUT surgery….
🤯
Not only that… there’s an ABUNDANCE of data in the scientific literature proving the ACL indeed *CAN* heal… with exercise ALONE…. WITHOUT surgery!

Even MORE... depending on the type of ACL tear, determined via MRI consultation, healing rates can reach 80-90% with bracing protocols if the tear is caught early enough!

There’s more hope than you might think! 🙌

This does NOT mean it’s a guarantee in every case — surgery has its time and place - and certain ACL tear types will *ONLY* heal with surgery — but there *IS* a shot — and based on good science, surgery ought to be at least DELAYED and rehabilitation ATTEMPTED for the cases that *HAVE* that chance of healing!

💡Wouldn’t you want to avoid going getting your knee drilled into if you could?

📢 I got to see firsthand how my client Michael was able to overcome his full thickness Grade III ACL tear with exercise ALONE — and our team at Global has witnessed COUNTLESS of cases of ACL tears re-attaching themselves with bracing protocols to even HIGHER chances than exercise alone!

Comment “ACL” and we’ll reach out to you personally with some resources that explain more! 🤝

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

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

12/02/2026

** Struggle to give Treatment Plans to every patient? Have a stack of them between you and them! **

Giving a written Treatment Plan at the end of every initial consultation in private practice is the best way to improve patient clinical outcomes and business KPI's 🙌

If not in the habit, some clinicians may struggle to routinely present the plans to patients ❌️

A great prompt is to have a stack of written plans between yourself and the client, as a reminder to complete the summary of the assessment and management road map before they head to reception 💡✅️

How else do you ensure you a clear and succinct plan is given? Feel free to share your experiences and thoughts below!
👇👇

Direct message for free access to this very popular webinar with renowned business coach Paul Wright:

https://globalspecialistphysio.teachable.com/p/reducing-cancellations

Want the best, contemporary evidence-based Treatment Plan system implemented in your clinic, which has worked for 100’s of practitioners, to get the best clinical and KPI outcomes for your patients? Comment “Plan” below, reach out via direct message or go the Global Specialist Physiotherapy plan website for more info and free content:
👇
globalspecialistphysio.com/treatmentplan

09/02/2026

A few thoughts on Lindsay Vonn’s ACL tear and her subsequent crash in the Women’s downhill from Global Specialist Physiotherapy consultant and team Canada 🇨🇦 Sports Physiotherapist The Alpine Physio Jian Sores 👇👇

Wishing her a speedy recovery and amazed at the incredible effort as a legend of the sport ⛷️

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

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.